Extract from Cellebrite’s article “The Pitfalls of Relying on iTunes Backups for Investigations”
In the realm of mobile forensics, iTunes backups have long been a common method for extracting data from iOS devices. However, the increasing sophistication of mobile devices and the evolving landscape of digital evidence have exposed the limitations of iTunes backups as a reliable source of evidence in investigations.
The Illusion of Completeness
One of the primary shortcomings of iTunes backups is their incompleteness. While they may capture a significant portion of the device’s data, they often fail to include crucial information stored in cloud services, third-party applications and secure enclaves. This incomplete picture can lead to misleading conclusions and hinder justice.
For instance, an iTunes backup may not capture data stored in a cloud-based messaging app, potentially concealing critical conversations or exchanges that could be central to an investigation. Similarly, data stored within secure enclaves, such as those employed by some messaging applications, may not be accessible through iTunes backups, leaving investigators blind to potentially valuable evidence.
