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How to Create Forensic Backup of an iOS Device with MDI phone tablets

Written by Richard T. Frawley | Jul 23, 2019 12:59:40 PM

Learn how to create a forensic backup of an iOS smartphone or tablet with Mobile Device Investigator™ in this short How To video from ADF's Digital Forensic Specialist, Rich Frawley.

With the easy-to-use MDI, you can now quickly and easily collect evidence from iOS and Android phones and tablets.  The Mobile Device Investigator mobile phone forensic software is designed to be operated by front line police, sheriffs, school resource officers, field agents, and investigators. Connect a suspect device via USB port to quickly collect evidence and perform an advanced logical acquisition.

Watch this 3-minute video to create a digital forensic backup using Mobile Device Investigator®.

Advanced Logical Acquisition of an iOS Mobile Device

Mobile Device Investigator provides logical acquisition capabilities so to begin, you must first know the passcode to unlock the device. 

  • Place the device in airplane mode (If not already done)
Go to Settings to set the Auto-Lock to Never
  • Settings >> Display and Brightness >> Auto-Lock >> Never

Attach and Backup the iOS device

  • Select Add Phone
  • Select iOS and then connect the phone to the computer when prompted
  • When connecting the phone to the computer - if prompted - “Trust This Computer?”

The wizard on the right-hand side of the MDI interface will guide you through the process and alert you to items that have not been completed, such as device drivers not installed, or debugging not turned on. The wizard will also guide you with instructions on what to do if certain criteria are not met.

Once the phone is selected you will see the Source, Destination, and Backup name. Remember the destination as you will need this to scan your backup later. Select Image and the backup process will commence.

Once finished you may disconnect the phone and proceed with a scan at a later time by  Selecting “Scan Android and iOS Devices” and “Add Phone Backup”

Learn how to create an Android forensic backup