IT Forensics · Car

Forensic analysis of infotainment system data – using the central vehicle control unit as a data source

A vehicle’s infotainment system often stores a wide range of usage data, including paired devices, navigation history, media playback and, in some cases, call histories, provided that the system in question uses an accessible storage format.

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The scope and specific format of this data vary considerably between manufacturers and model generations, which is why the scope that can actually be analysed is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We back up accessible infotainment storage media and systematically analyse the usage data they contain, which can be analysed using our tools.

Typical areas of application

•Analysis of stored usage data from the infotainment system
•Reconstructing vehicle usage over an extended period
•Inclusion of additional forensic data sources such as mobile devices
•Investigation into system data that has been subsequently deleted
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Incident Response for Vehicle Incidents

This is how an infotainment analysis is carried out

Once the accessible storage medium has been backed up, the usage data it contains is analysed using our forensic tools, insofar as the respective format permits. Proprietary formats that cannot be analysed are documented as a technical limitation.

Why is infotainment analysis relevant in a forensic context?

The infotainment system often contains the most comprehensive data source available in a vehicle and can provide insights into usage patterns, connected devices and distances travelled.

As not every system can be analysed in full, the actual scope of the analysis carried out is always documented transparently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every infotainment system store the same amount of usage data?+
No, this varies considerably depending on the manufacturer and system generation.
Can deleted infotainment data be recovered?+
To some extent, depending on the storage medium used and when the data is deleted.
What happens with proprietary formats that cannot be parsed?+
This is openly documented in the expert report as an existing technical limitation.

LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of infotainment system data"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the traceable analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

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