The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists

Online MDF: Mobile Device Forensics

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Event Details

The IACIS Online Mobile Device Forensics course is a 36-hour course of instruction offered online. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the online Mobile Device Certification exam at no additional charge.

The Online MDF course is designed to provide students with intermediate to advanced skills to analyze and interpret data during cell phone investigations. This course goes behind the popular tools currently in use to reveal the sources of cell phone data used to store evidence. At the completion of the course students will be confident in knowing they can gather and explain all data they have located during their examinations. Students should have some experience in conducting cell phone examinations.

Online MDF Course Topics

  • Acquiring file system and physical images from phones, to include handling and procedures for locked devices
  • Students will learn how to acquire cell phone data, and the different types of techniques to obtain the most relevant data.
  • There is some usage of command line to conduct the practicals. The commands are explained in detail; however, some students may find previous command line experience helpful.
  • Students will learn through hands-on exercises how the file systems are laid out in both iOS and Android, allowing them to find the data they are looking for quickly and be able to interpret it. This knowledge will carry over to new releases of the operating systems ensuring students can continue to stay current.
  • Validating data obtained from forensic tools, including data that tools miss.
  • Students will learn advanced third-party application analysis to interpret, recognize and decode artifacts stored by these applications.
  • Flash Memory, NAND Ram Architecture and learn how cell phones store their data at the physical level.
  • Obtaining and processing iOS backup files, including manual decoding, parsing and cracking of encrypted backup file images.
  • Viewing and interpreting iOS files such as plists to obtain valuable evidence.
  • Students will learn to use ADB and manually extract data from an Android device for those times when a commercial tool is unable to.
  • Students will learn about using python scripts and how to use them to enhance the data they can obtain during their examinations including manual application use of the queries.
  • Understand how SQLite databases function and how the data is stored, including how to use simple queries to manually parse the data.

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IACIS Chair

Guided by industry-leading professionals, including a distinguished IACIS Chair, the online MDF course content stays consistently updated to reflect the latest cybersecurity and digital forensic best practices.

Where and When is the Online MDF Course Offered?

Online MDF is typically offered every calendar quarter.

How to Register for this Course

Existing IACIS members, simply log in with your credentials and go to the Products page to purchase and register for the course.

For non-IACIS members, the membership fee is waived with the purchase of the training course; however, to register for the course you must complete a membership application at the time of purchase. Purchase training course here.

Quick Details

  • ICMDE

WhenVarious Times

Cost$995Payment MUST BE RECEIVED at least 70 days prior to the first day of class.

CertificationCompletion of the online MDF course entitles each member to one attempt at the ICMDE Certification process. The online certification cycle starts at the same time as the online class and is six months long. The attempt must be completed within that time frame. For example, if the online MDF course starts 10/1/2025, the course must be completed by 12/31/2025 and certification must be completed by 3/31/2026.

Certifications

CFCE IACIS Certification

CFCE

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner Program

CAWFE IACIS Certification

ICMDE

Certified Mobile Device Examiner

CMDE IACIS Certification

CAWFE

Certified Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner

Courses Offered at This Event

Taught by experienced professionals, these hands-on sessions cover everything from foundational skills to advanced investigative methods. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned expert, you’ll gain practical knowledge that directly applies to your work. Explore the course lineup and build your expertise today.

MDF: Mobile Device Forensics

The IACIS Mobile Device Forensics Training Program is a 36-hour course of instruction offered over five (5) consecutive days. This program will expand the students’ existing mobile forensic knowledge and skillset. It is designed to provide students with intermediate to advanced skills needed to detect, decode, decrypt, and analyze evidence recovered from mobile devices during mobile device investigations. Using instructor-led exercises and hands-on practicals, students will learn the necessary skills to go behind the automation processes of popular mobile forensic tools and will have gained the competency to apply these skills during an investigation to reveal the sources of cell phone data used to store evidence.
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