As smartphones continue to play an ever-increasing role in our lives, law enforcement, and digital forensics professionals are faced with the challenge of efficiently extracting and processing information from these devices. This is where Mobile Device Investigator (MDI) comes into play with Preview Mode, a cutting-edge feature available for iOS and Android devices.
MDI preview mode grants investigators instant access to the data on the device, allowing them to perform advanced logical acquisition and process files and artifacts in real-time. This preview enables them to quickly assess the potential value of the data present on the device and make informed decisions before proceeding further. In this blog post, we will guide you through previewing evidence on a mobile device. 
Step 1: Connect your Device
To initiate Preview Mode start by connecting the mobile device you wish to analyze to your computer. MDI is versatile and supports a wide range of devices, such as smartphones and tablets that run on systems like iOS and Android. Once your device is connected, MDI will automatically detect and establish a connection.
Step 2: Select Preview on the Home page
On the MDI Home Page select preview, enter the device information, and select Proceed. Caching of the files will now begin giving you immediate access and collection. MDI will provide you with a progress bar.
Step 3: Review Files Collected
During the scan, you can review what has been collected including filtering, Preview will adapt to your actions and prioritize collection based on your interaction with the files collected. Once the scan is complete everything that has been collected is in your results so you can sort, filter, tag, comment, and report.
Step 4: Exit Preview Mode
A preview is a beginning it does not need to be completed. All data previewed is saved and can be used for analysis and reporting. Once you have made a decision preview can be stopped and you can move on to the next steps; including acquisition in a more comprehensive scan of the device.
Mobile Device Investigator’s (MDI) Preview Mode provides instant access and real-time data processing, it enables investigators to make informed decisions upfront, saving valuable time and resources. With its seamless integration into comprehensive scans, Preview Mode sets the foundation for focused and efficient investigations, catering to the ever-evolving challenges of digital forensics in the mobile age. Preview mode streamlines the investigation process, facilitates quicker decision-making, and improves the overall efficiency of digital evidence extraction.
