Geolocational Data Sources for Movement of Individuals.

We are often asked to compile evidence relative to movement and Datalab has built out a ‘playbook’ of procedures based on what hardware and data we have access to. The below detail sets out to prepare a client for what may be asked for relative to a users hardware and accounts.

Geolocational data is being compiled continuously by mobile devices and cloud accounts in an effort to improve user experience and security. This data can be valuable as and when someone is trying to establish movement across time or location against a specific event.

Datalabs forensic tools look to leverage all potential repositories of data for these exercises including some complementary sources that may add to our overall understanding of location. These repositories are as below but not limited to;

1. Mobile Devices: By far a mobile device is the best source of data for locating a user including movement. Many modern smart phones are permanently tracking their owners to improve user experience and offer direction or marketing. In some cases a forensically preserved mobile device might offer in excess of 5000 geolocational data points or location informing data sets for a given month.Note: This data is not always stored indefinitely though so preservation at the realist stage is critical.
2. Cloud Data: In addition to device based data, compiling cloud data sources is delivering more data and thus more certainty in modern forensic investigations. We are then asking clients, where possible, for access to their primary and some secondary cloud accounts to add in more geolocational data.
3. Connectivity records: Above and beyond coordinate based data connectivity records can support approximate location. Things like timed connection to WIFI that can be placed at an address or connection to specific vehicles or other stationary Bluetooth sources all work to support a persons location at a given point in time.

As always each case will have its specific nuances and requirements to build a solid understanding of someone's location so we suggest calling though and speaking to someone at Datalab within the forensic department. The forensics department can be reached on 0800 328 2522 - Opt 3.

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