It’s mobile device day!  🙂  The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many eDiscovery services that used to be conducted primarily in person to be provided remotely, and, for remote mobile device collection, that can be quite challenging.  But, as Kyle Brent of Sandline notes, the issues can be minimized if vendors and clients plan and communicate effectively.

In his article on Remote Mobile Device Collection, Kyle states: “Gone are the times (at least for now) when a forensic collector could go to a company, perform a series of collections, and return with the needed data.”

Kyle discusses the process in a single paragraph, where the collector ships a remote collection kit containing a computer (pre-loaded with the necessary collection software), a hard drive to store the device image, cables to connect the phone for collection, a chain of custody form and a return label for the kit. The collector and the custodian video conference to walk through the proper settings, connections, and procedures to ensure a forensically sound image of the device and the collector monitors the process until complete. Then, the custodian fills out the chain of custody form, ships the kit back to the vendor, and “Bob’s your uncle”. Simple, right? 

Except, as Kyle notes, remote mobile device collection does not always happen like that.  There are challenges and hiccups that can occur, and you must plan to be ready for them.  Kyle doesn’t sugar coat the process, noting that it often isn’t quick and clean, but planning helps minimize the issues.

So, what are some of the challenges?  What can you do to minimize them? And what the heck does “Bob’s your uncle” mean?  You’ll have to read Kyle’s article here on the Sandline web site to find out.  “Fortune favors the prepared mind”! 😉

So, what do you think?  What challenges have you experienced with your remote mobile device collection projects?  Please share any comments you might have or if you’d like to know more about a particular topic.

Disclosure: Sandline is an Educational Partner and sponsor of eDiscovery Today

Disclaimer: The views represented herein are exclusively the views of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views held by my employer, my partners or my clients. eDiscovery Today is made available solely for educational purposes to provide general information about general eDiscovery principles and not to provide specific legal advice applicable to any particular circumstance. eDiscovery Today should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a lawyer you have retained and who has agreed to represent you.