AUTOMATED DATA POPULATION FOR IOS DEVICES WITH AUTOPODMOBILE

Dirk Pawlaszczyk; Philipp Engler; Ronny Bodach; Margaux  Michel; Ralf Zimmermann

doi:10.29121/digisecforensics.v2.i1.2025.46

Authors

Dirk Pawlaszczyk Faculty of Computer Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Philipp Engler Faculty of Computer Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Ronny Bodach Faculty of Computer Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany
Michel Margaux Central Office for Information Technology in the Security Sector (ZITIS), Germany
Ralf Zimmermann Central Office for Information Technology in the Security Sector (ZITIS), Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/digisecforensics.v2.i1.2025.46

Keywords:

Dataset Creation, Data Population, Ios, Mobile Forensics, Autopodmobile

Abstract

Training investigators with realistic datasets is crucial for mobile forensics. However, until now, most training data has been generated manually, with very few automated solutions available. Particularly for iOS devices, there is currently no automated method for transferring data to phones. This article addresses this issue by introducing an approach that enables macros to be executed on the target device using simple onboard tools. Additionally, it presents the latest version of AutoPodMobile, a tool designed for automatic data population and injection. The paper discusses the results of a proof-of-concept implementation and concludes with an analysis of the findings, along with options for future enhancements.

Author Biographies

Dirk Pawlaszczyk, Faculty of Computer Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Dirk Pawlaszczyk is working as a Full Professor in the Department of Computer Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida – University of Applied Sciences. He has published more than 30 research papers in reputed international journals, including Springer and IEEE. He was coordinator of the EU project FORMOBILE. He has been the IT security officer at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences since 2018. His main research work focuses on digital forensics, network security, cloud security and privacy, IoT, distributed simulation, and artificial intelligence. He has ten years of teaching experience and twelve years of research experience.

Ronny Bodach, Faculty of Computer Sciences, Hochschule Mittweida, University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Bodach has held a professorship for IT Security / Digital Forensics at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences since 2019 and was appointed Dean of Studies for the IT Forensics / Cybercrime course in 2021. Since 2020, he has been Head of the Institute Application Center Microcontroller (ACMC) at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences.

Until 2019, Bodach worked as a lecturer for different higher educational institutions and the Saxony Police University. He is a member of the European Association for Forensic Entomology (EAFE). From 2009 to 2011, he worked as a trainer of experts for the Association of European Valuers and Experts (VEGS). Between 2011 and 2015, Bodach worked for the private certification service CertByCels 2011-2015. In 2007, he founded the company EYEWITNESS FORENSIC SOFTWARE and was its CEO until 2017.

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