Apple Ecosystem: Overlooked Devices
June 18th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
When it comes to digital evidence, most investigators naturally focus on smartphones – and occasionally tablets. But the rest of the Apple ecosystem often goes unnoticed: Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, even older iPod Touch models. These supplementary devices might seem irrelevant, but they can contain valuable digital artifacts: activity logs, Wi‑Fi credentials, leftover bits and pieces of information, system logs, and even synced photos.
What TRIM, DRAT, and DZAT Really Mean for SSD Forensics
June 2nd, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
If you’re doing forensic work today, odds are you’re imaging SSDs, not just spinning hard drives. And SSDs don’t behave like HDDs – especially when it comes to deleted files. One key reason: the TRIM command. TRIM makes SSDs behave different to magnetic hard drives when it comes to recovering deleted evidence. This article breaks down what TRIM actually does, how SSDs respond, and what forensic experts need to know when handling modern storage.
iOS Extraction Tip: Why Start with Recovery Mode?
May 30th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
When performing forensic tasks on Apple devices, the order in which you enter device modes can make a big difference. While DFU mode is necessary for certain extractions, especially using checkm8, going straight into DFU might not be your best option. Starting with Recovery Mode offers several advantages that make it a safer, faster approach. By entering Recovery Mode first, you reduce the risk of unexpected data changes, minimize delays, and ensure the device stays in a stable state. Let’s take a closer look at why starting with Recovery Mode is the better approach for your extraction process.
Why Every Digital Forensics Lab Needs a Good USB Hub
May 23rd, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
In modern digital forensics, a reliable USB hub isn’t just a convenience – it’s a critical piece of lab infrastructure. With today’s laptops (especially MacBooks) offering only one or two USB-C ports – often occupied by power adapters – connecting all the required equipment becomes a real challenge. USB hubs help bridge this gap, solving port limitations, improving device compatibility, and even increasing the stability of the checkm8 exploit used for iPhone data extraction. This article explains why and where to use USB hubs shine in forensic workflows and how to choose the right model for your lab.
Installing iOS Forensic Toolkit on Linux
May 22nd, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
For a long time, the macOS version of iOS Forensic Toolkit remained the most feature-complete. Only macOS supported bootloader-level acquisition using checkm8, installation of the extraction agent with regular Apple IDs, and use of wireless adapters for Apple Watch analysis. All of these capabilities are now available in the Linux build as well, eliminating the need for a Mac in many workflows. This guide explains how to properly install and use EIFT on a Linux system.
The Linux Edition Goes Live
May 20th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
Acquiring data from iOS devices can be a complex task, particularly when performing bootloader-based extractions leveraging the checkm8 exploit. Traditionally, these extractions required access to a macOS computer. However, the Linux edition of iOS Forensic Toolkit offers a practical and efficient solution for forensic investigators who may not have macOS readily available. With minimal functional differences between the Mac, Windows, and Linux editions, the toolkit’s new, bootable Live Linux version allows for seamless bootloader-level extractions, booting from an external device and utilizing all the necessary tools without the need for a Mac.
Breaking into the Ecosystem: How One Weak Link Can Unlock a Secure Device
May 19th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
A forensic examiner receives a locked smartphone – a recent-model iPhone, encrypted and secured with an unknown passcode. No tool works, checkm8 long obsolete, USB port locked. Is this a dead end? Not quite. iPhones don’t operate in isolation. They’re part of a digital ecosystem, and ecosystems often have weak points. This article explores how gaining access through a weak link can compromise even the most secure smartphone.
iOS Forensic Toolkit Now Supports All Models of Apple Watch
May 15th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
We’ve released an important update to iOS Forensic Toolkit: the Toolkit expands logical acquisition to all newer models of Apple Watch starting from Apple Watch Series 6 (with a wired third-party adapter), Apple Watch Series 7 through 10, SE2, Ultra, and Ultra 2 (via a special wireless adapter). With this update, the Toolkit supports the complete range of Apple Watch devices with no gaps or omissions.
Extraction Agent: Offline Extraction with All Developer Accounts
May 15th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
We are excited to announce an update to Elcomsoft iOS Forensic Toolkit that solves a long-lasting issue connected to the installation and use of the low-level extraction agent. In version 8.70, we introduce a critical improvement: you can now sideload and launch the extraction agent completely offline using any Apple Developer account – regardless of when it was created. What exactly changed, and what does that mean for you? Read along to find out.
Microsoft Goes Passwordless: Forensic Implications of Passwordless Microsoft Accounts
May 14th, 2025 by Oleg Afonin
Microsoft has officially announced that newly created Microsoft Accounts will now be passwordless by default for “simpler, safer sign-ins”. This change extends the direction set by Windows 11, where traditional passwords have been gradually phased out in favor of more secure and user-friendly authentication methods – such as PIN codes, biometrics, and passkeys. In this article, we will evaluate the forensic implications of this move.
