Seminar: Smartwatch forensics
Smartwatch forensics - the future of digital evidence
Smartwatches are far more than just fitness trackers and communication devices. They are networked mini-computers that continuously collect data that can play a decisive role in criminal investigations. Our seminar on smartwatch forensics offers you a comprehensive introduction to the latest methods for forensically analysing these devices. The practical training courses are aimed at IT forensic experts, investigating authorities and companies who want to professionally secure and analyse digital evidence.
Why is data from smartwatches relevant for criminal investigations?
Smartwatches record a wide range of information that can be invaluable in the investigation of criminal offences. The data collected includes:
- Location history (GPS data): The exact location of a suspect or victim can be reconstructed. This can help in the investigation of kidnappings, robberies or even murders.
- Health data (heart rate, activity level): This data provides valuable insights into a person's physical activities at a given time. For example, the heart rate may rise sharply or drop suddenly during an attack. Such information could be used to determine the timing of attacks or other incidents.
- Communication histories: Notifications, messages and calls received or sent on smartwatches can be used to uncover connections to other people or events.
- Step counting and movement patterns: This data can show whether a person has actually moved around a crime scene or, on the contrary, was not active as claimed.
- Apps and third-party services: Many smartwatches are equipped with apps that access extensive personal data that can provide revealing information during investigations, e.g. when analysing bank transactions or social networks.
Such data can often provide serious evidence for criminal investigations and play a key role in court. As smartwatches are usually connected to a smartphone, they enable additional analytical approaches that affect both the watch and the connected device.
Seminar contents:
1. introduction to smartwatch forensics
At the beginning of the seminar, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to the architecture and functionality of smartwatches. We will examine the most important data sources that are relevant in investigations and go into the special features of the most common models, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch, the Apple Watch and other manufacturers. These devices store a wide range of information that can be extremely useful for forensic investigations.
2. cross-device forensic techniques
Modern methods for cross-device data collection are taught. These techniques include physical and logical extractions of data as well as cloud-based analyses. Participants will learn how to extract evidence from the various smartwatch operating systems (e.g. WearOS, watchOS) in a secure and legally usable manner.
3. specific analysis of the Samsung Galaxy Watch
The Samsung Galaxy Watch is one of the most widely used smartwatches and offers a wide range of analysable data. In this section of the seminar, you will learn how to extract and analyse GPS data, movement profiles and health data from these devices. With the right tools, this information can make a decisive contribution to clarifying a time frame or the activities of a person at the crime scene.
4. forensic examination of the Apple Watch
Apple Watches operate in a closed ecosystem, which makes forensic analysis more difficult, but by no means impossible. We will show you how to secure data from an Apple Watch as well as from connected devices and iCloud backups. We will highlight specific forensic tools and methods to make this data usable in court. The comprehensive health and communication data from Apple devices is particularly valuable.
5. legally compliant preservation of evidence
A central component of forensic work is the legally compliant preservation of evidence. Our seminar goes into detail about the legal framework, in particular with regard to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the need to handle personal data carefully and in a legally secure manner. We explain how you can ensure that the data obtained can be used in court proceedings without its integrity or admissibility being called into question.
6. practical applications and case studies
In hands-on exercises, participants will have the opportunity to analyse real data from smartwatches and apply the techniques they have learnt. Using case studies, we will demonstrate how smartwatches have played a crucial role in solving real cases - from determining the location of a suspect to pinpointing the exact time of a crime.
Target group of the seminar:
This seminar is aimed at IT forensic experts, investigating authorities, security officers in companies and anyone who works with securing and analysing digital evidence. The hands-on training provides participants with valuable skills for securing and analysing smartwatch data in a legally compliant manner.
Why is it important to attend this seminar?
- State-of-the-art digital evidence collection - smartwatches are increasingly providing crucial digital evidence in criminal investigations. Our seminar will enable you to utilise these new technologies effectively.
- Ensure legal compliance - By taking the legal framework into account, you ensure that your forensic measures can be used in court and comply with data protection regulations.
- Learn practical applications - You will learn how to use forensic tools and the latest analysis methods in practical exercises.
Dates and registration:
The next seminar on smartwatch forensics will take place in 2025. Register today to secure your place and learn about the latest developments in digital forensics.
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