ESeizure: A Mobile App for Digital Forensics First Responders

As the use of technology has increased, so has the number of crimes which are committed with electronic devices. Quite often, these devices are confiscated as evidence and the data stored on them is used in a court of law to prosecute criminals. One problem that prosecutors can run into, is that if the evidence was not properly acquired at the crime scene or properly handled in the digital forensics lab, it can be thrown out in a court of law, and the accused can go free. It is very important that the digital forensics first responders follow the correct procedures after legal formalities. This is essential because if proper procedures are not followed, the evidence on the electronic device may be dismissed. In this paper, we report on the design and development of a mobile application for Apple Devices which will give guidance to Digital Forensics First Responders. It outlines the steps they should follow to secure the evidence when they reach a crime scene, so that it will be admissible in a court of law. This application not only outlines the steps for the first responders, but it also follows user interface design guidelines for small devices. This application is useful because not only does it provide an easy way for first responders to see all of the steps for proper seizure but it is also on a user friendly interface. The fact that the application is on a mobile device means that it can be used in the field saving the first responders time and also gives them the ability to quickly acquire needed instructions at the scene.