CellDEK extracts data on the spot

Investigators looking for a quick way to extract data from cell phones and personal digital assistants might want to evaluate Logicube's CellDEK.

CellDEK is a data-extraction kit for cell phones and PDAs. It’s portable and looks like a thick briefcase, opening to reveal phone connector cables, a display screen and other components.

The portability enables law enforcement or military investigators to obtain data immediately at the scene of a crime rather than waiting for days for crime lab results.

Currently, CellDEK can extract data from more than 90 percent of North American cell phones, according to Logicube officials, and further development will enable it to access data from cell phones and PDAs worldwide.

The CellDEK software automatically extracts the handset time and date, serial numbers, dialed calls, received calls, the phonebook, Short Message Service messages, deleted SMS messages from the subscriber identity module (SIM) card, calendars, memos and task lists. Users can also manually select photos, video, audio or other files. The extractions do not alter the data.

Other features include Research in Motion BlackBerry capability, an integrated SIM card reader and an integrated 15-in-1 Flash card reader.

CellDEK collects the data into HTML reports, which investigators can print at the scene. The device produces data in Extensible Markup Language format. Users can then upload the extracted data to a removable Flash card or via an external USB port to a compatible device.

The device time stamps all commands and responses sent to the device to create a forensic audit trail. In addition, CellDEK contains an algorithm to prevent data manipulation. These features ensure evidence integrity and protect investigators from accusations of data tampering.