As we outlined in the previous article (Effective Disk Imaging: Ports, Hubs, and Power), it’s better to connect external USB-C devices (such as adapters and especially write-blockers) to a USB-C port that complies with at least the USB 3.2 Gen2 specs (10 Gbit/s). But what if your computer only has USB-A ports, or only a USB-A port is free? Obviously, you’ll need a USB-C to USB-A cable – but you’ll need to choose the right one very carefully, and that’s not the only thing that matters.

Some time ago, we tested NVMe disk imaging performance (see When Speed Matters: Imaging Fast NVMe Drives), focusing mainly on software. This time, we turned our attention to hardware connections: which ports deliver the best results, and whether using a USB hub, active or passive, affects imaging speed and reliability.

In our previous post, Extracting and Analyzing Apple sysdiagnose Logs, we explained the difference between sysdiagnose logs and Apple Unified Logs. Today we’ll show how the latest build of iOS Forensic Toolkit can pull Unified Logs directly from an iPhone or iPad during advanced logical extraction.

Perfect Acquisition is the most sophisticated method for extracting data from compatible iOS devices. This method is completely forensically sound; it doesn’t modify a single bit of the filesystem. When supported, this method should always be used over alternatives. This guide outlines the entire process, from acquiring the data dump to decrypting and mounting it for analysis. Note: this guide applies to iOS Forensic Toolkit 8.80 and newer, in which the process has been made easier to use.

Since its introduction with the iPhone X in 2017, Apple’s Face ID has become one of the most widely used biometric authentication systems in the world, often praised for its convenience and technological sophistication. Yet, like any system that relies on human biology, it has its share of limitations: reports of identical twins, close relatives or young children occasionally unlocking a parent’s device have circulated since its debut.

Over the years, we’ve published numerous guides on installing the iOS Forensic Toolkit extraction agent and troubleshooting issues. As both the tool and its environment evolved, so did our documentation – often leading to outdated or scattered information. This article consolidates and updates everything in one place, detailing the correct installation and troubleshooting procedures.

Apple’s unified logging system offers a wealth of information for forensic investigators analyzing iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and other devices from Apple ecosystems. Originally designed for debugging and diagnostics, these logs capture a continuous stream of detailed system activity – including app behavior, biometric events, power state changes, and connectivity transitions. In digital forensics, where traditional sources of evidence like backups or app data may be encrypted or inaccessible, the logs provide an alternative and often untapped reservoir of forensic artifacts. This article explores the content, availability, and forensic value of Apple logs collected via sysdiagnose across different device types, focusing on practical methods for extraction and analysis using modern forensic tools.

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.

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.

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.