Digital forensic analysis procedure for mobile devices in Portugal
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Abstract
Digital forensic analysis of mobile devices is an emerging and increasingly relevant area in criminal investigation, given the quantity and relevance of the information stored on these devices. This work aims to define a structured and standardized procedure for conducting digital forensic analysis of mobile devices in Portugal, in accordance with the national and European legal framework, namely the Cybercrime Law (Law No. 109/2009, of September 15) and the General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679).
In the development of this work, several technical and legal challenges are identified, including data encryption, biometric authentication mechanisms, and the lack of a standardized methodology applicable to the Portuguese context. The absence of standardized procedures can compromise the integrity of digital evidence and its admissibility in judicial proceedings, making it necessary to define best practices aligned with international standards for digital forensic investigation.
The aim is to contribute to supporting professionals in the legal and forensic field by proposing a structured procedure that ensures the preservation of the chain of custody, the integrity of the data, and compliance with the legal and ethical requirements applicable to the collection and analysis of digital evidence.
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