An evidence-based forensic taxonomy of Windows phone communication apps

• Main Authors: Wahyu Cahyani, Niken Dwi, Martin, Ben, Kim-Kwang, Raymond Choo, Ab Rahman, Nurul Hidayah, Ashman, Helen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2018
• Subjects: QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science; QA76 Computer software; T Technology (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/5563/1/AJ%202018%20%28216%29.pdf; http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/5563/

Communication apps can be an important source of evidence in a forensic investigation (e.g., in the investigation of a drug, trafficking or terrorism case where the communications apps were used by the accused persons during the transactions or planning activities)., This study presents the first evidence-based forensic taxonomy of Windows Phone communication apps, using an existing two-dimensional, Android forensic taxonomy as a baseline. Specifically, 30 Windows Phone communication apps, including Instant Messaging (IM) and Voice, over IP (VoIP) apps, are examined. Artifacts extracted using physical acquisition are analyzed, and seven digital evidence objects of forensic, interest are identified, namely: Call Log, Chats, Contacts, Locations, Installed Applications, SMSs and User Accounts. Findings from this study, would help to facilitate timely and effective forensic investigations involving Windows Phone communication apps.