Mobile Forensics Challenges and Admissibility of Electronic Evidences in India

Abstract

Technological development in India is going to be highly dependent on mobile communication technology. The innovation boom in this particular sector is expected to reach over one billion subscribers by the end of year 2013. The prime benefit of mobile technology and services is providing reach ability to all sectors of the subscriber's choice. New devices and services are being introduced rapidly. These are more smart and powerful in terms of computing capability, storage capacity with scalability and portability in size. The advantages make this technology frequently adaptable to every group of people. The influence and rapid development in this technology pose a serious security challenge. High dependency on technology ensures its involvement in users' activities. It holds true for mobile technology in respect to crime. The amount and quality of data associated with mobile devices and services could be valuable in any investigation. Therefore mobile forensics is important for law enforcement and investigators, as it aims at professional and legally acknowledged methods for analysis. In the paper, use of mobile devices in various activities, and mobile forensics is briefly introduced. It also examines the challenges of mobile forensics investigation and admissibility of acquired mobile data as electronic evidence in Indian jurisdiction. This paper highlights some critical stages of mobile forensics and weaknesses in the acquisition of digital evidences from mobile devices. Finally this paper contains a step by step guide to the acquisition and preservation of data from mobile devices and examination of those data in regard to respective Indian Acts to admit those digital evidences in Indian courts.