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Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory National Program Office

Cell Phone Investigative Kiosks



The Operational Technology Division's Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) cell phone kiosk pilot project features 31 cell phone investigative kiosks at select FBI Field Offices and RCFLs, with more coming in the summer/early fall of 2009. This kiosk allows users to extract data from a cell phone, put it into a report, and burn the report to a CD or DVD in as little as 30 minutes.


FAQs

Q: Which RCFLs have received the kiosks?

A: Chicago, Greater Houston, Intermountain West, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Rocky Mountain, North Texas, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and the Northwest RCFLs have already received and installed cell phone kiosks. The Heart of America RCFL in Kansas City already has an operational cell phone kiosk – Heart of America RCFL customers should contact the laboratory directly on 816-584-4300 for more information.

Q: Are there plans to install kiosks in RCFLs that didn’t receive them in 2008?

A: Yes, the CART Unit will evaluate additional locations, including RCFLs, which should receive kiosks with the goal of making them operational by the end of 2009.

Q: Can non-FBI law enforcement use the kiosks located in FBI Field Offices?

A: Yes, but on the condition that they have an FBI escort at all times. If that isn’t possible, an RCFL is the most practical option for state/local law enforcement personnel to access the kiosks.

Q: Do you need experience in cell phone forensics to use the kiosks?

A: No, but some familiarity with computers is helpful.

Q: What about training – do you need to take a class before to learn how to use the kiosk?

A: Yes, a brief computer-based training course was designed to help customers navigate the kiosk tool.

Q: How will the kiosks work?

A: The kiosk has two components: 1) a cell phone examination system containing software and the necessary cables to download data and 2) a photographic system that enables a user to take pictures of a cell phone’s screen for data that could not be downloaded. Both systems create detailed reports of the extracted data that can be used as evidence. You can then burn the report to a CD or DVD.

Q: By using the kiosk, is this the same as conducting a cell phone examination? Can we present these findings in court?

A: The kiosk is a preview tool and enables investigators to see a portion of the data quickly and easily. The kiosk was not designed to take the place of a full scale cell phone examination performed by a certified Examiner, however, any evidence produced using the kiosk tool is admissible in a court of law.

Q: Typically, how long does it take to download the information from a cell phone using the kiosk? Is there a minimum? A maximum?

A: Downloading just text can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes. Downloading photos can take anywhere from five minutes up to five hours—it depends on how much data is contained in the phone and how long the investigator has to conduct the preview.

Q: Do you have to make an appointment to use the kiosk?

A: Generally, it's best to call ahead to see what the RCFL's normal office hours are. Click here to view a contact list.

Q: Is there on-site help available?

A: Yes, each RCFL has a CPIK administrator whose job it is to manage this service offering and to offer on-site assistance when needed.

Q: Can I preview more than one phone at a time?

A: It depends. There are two separate software tools that enable users to either download data or photograph a cell phone’s screen. Therefore, a user can preview two phones simultaneously, but because there is only one computer available, only the results from one tool can be viewed at a time.

Q: With so many makes and models of cell phones, can the kiosk extract data from all of them?

A: As with any software tool, the kiosk is compatible with a percentage of cell phones on the market. Depending on age, condition, type, origin, and the use of passwords and/or encryption, results will vary. Additionally, because this is a preview tool, the user can only extract a limited amount of data from a cell phone. A full cell phone examination conducted by a certified Examiner will yield additional data and result in a more thorough review.

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

RCFL cell phone kiosk administrators are listed below:




    Cell Phone Investigative Kiosks



    

Click here to download the Cell Phone Kiosk program's brochure.

         
























































































































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