It is thus that technologies which work to yield that crucial data from the memory store of any such device have become so valuable to law enforcement in the age of terrorism. According to the Computer Forensics Tool Testing Program (CFTT), "a cellular forensic tool shall have the ability to logically acquire all application supported data elements present in internal memory without modification" (Ayers, 15)
This is to indicate that such technology should be able to hack into mobile communication devices without detection by the subject, making it a valuable tool in investigating crimes and preventing suspected crimes. The evaluate of its requirements is produced by the CFTT, which is an organization that "provides a measure of assurance that the tools used in the investigations of computer-related crimes produce valid results." (Ayers, 6)
A major drawback of such technologies, and one that invokes a yet far more complex discussion concerning the philosophy of law...
In this case, the danger that the privacy of ordinary citizens could be compromised is considerable. The ability of such technology to gather information without detection denotes that without careful instruction and oversight, our law enforcement agencies may be seen as being in the possession of too great a forensics capability. As such technology becomes more readily available, so too must the regulatory oversight of its use become more normalized and effectively maintained by law enforcement culture.
Works Cited:
Ayers, R. (2008). Mobile Device Forensics-Tool Testing. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Bourque, L. (2008). Five Essential Computer Forensics Tools. Enterprise it Planet.
Online at http://www.enterpriseitplanet.com/security/features/article.php/3786046
