Chapter 4 - PDA, Blackberry, and iPod Forensic Analysis

Abstract

This chapter discusses the concept of conducting a forensic investigation. The techniques for investigating a mobile device are similar to that of more traditional storage devices. In addition, the chapter explains the personal digital assistant (PDA) background information, components of PDA, and so on. A PDA is a handheld computing device that combines a multitude of functions and features. These features include things like computing, telephone, fax and Internet. Additionally, the PDA can and most often does contain some form of networking or other form of connectivity capabilities. PDA is a powerful device it can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, web browser and a personal organizer. These devices have reached such a level of power, and functionality they are in essence a mini-computer. There are many components that can be part of the PDA. The first component of the PDA is the Micro-Processor; all PDA devices have to have some form of a Micro-Processor. This is similar to any micro-processor, the only difference is the processor has a restriction on the size it can be. Another component of the PDA is some form of input device, one of the most common means of input is the touch screen. In addition to these components, an essential component is the operating system that is running the software for the PDA device.