Forensic Analysis of Popular Social Media Applications on Android Smartphones

Fatma GÜNEŞ ERİŞ,Erhan AKBAL

doi:10.17694/bajece.761271

Fatma GÜNEŞ ERİŞ, Erhan AKBAL

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.17694/bajece.761271

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Abstract

The use of mobile devices as an evidence of crime has increased. Social network forensics is a branch of science that includes accessing and analyzing many personal data that may contain evidence on social networks. Considering the multiplicity of personal data artefact by social networking applications in mobile devices, the importance of examining social media applications in mobile devices emerges. In this study, the necessary processes for the forensic investigation of mobile devices are examined, the necessary procedures for data extraction from mobile devices are explained and it is revealed how the analysis of social media applications in terms of forensic information in mobile devices should be realized. In the application part of the study, the most widely used mobile operating systems on android devices with android operating prompts; Facebook, WhatsApp Messenger, Instagram, Twitter applications have been installed, basic user behavior analysis of devices that have been performed. During the investigation phase, Oxygen Forensic, Paraben E3: DS and Magnet Axiom were used as tools for manual data extraction and mobile forensic information. The obtained data by both methods are shown comparatively.

Highlights

DEVELOPMENTS IN mobile devices; increased speed, power and storage space led more people to use their devices in a wide variety of personal processes such as online shopping, bill payment, social sharing
This paper shows that effective methods about mobile forensics for social media application to investigation experts and researchers
Widely used social media applications in mobile devices analyzed with popular forensic investigation softwares

Summary

Introduction

DEVELOPMENTS IN mobile devices; increased speed, power and storage space led more people to use their devices in a wide variety of personal processes such as online shopping, bill payment, social sharing. 52% of web traffic in the world is performed via mobile phones [1]. With the widespread use of mobile devices, the use of social media applications has increased. Social media applications encourage users to share their personal data. People using social media often leave a large number of personal data remains on their mobile devices without being aware of it [2].

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