IT Forensics · Car
Forensic analysis of OBD-II diagnostic logs – Using the standardised vehicle diagnostic interface for forensic purposes
The OBD-II interface provides standardised access to specific vehicle control units and supplies, amongst other things, fault codes, operating parameters and, in some cases, historical vehicle data, which may be relevant for forensic analysis.
The scope of data accessible via OBD-II is limited depending on the manufacturer and does not cover all the control units or memory areas present in the vehicle; it is therefore regarded as one of several possible data sources.
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 retrieve diagnostic data accessible via the OBD-II interface, document the retrieval process in a manner that is forensically verifiable, and place the data obtained within the overall context of the vehicle inspection.
Typical areas of application
How an OBD-II analysis works
Once a controlled connection has been established via the diagnostic interface, any available fault codes and operating parameters are read out and logged. The process is documented to ensure that any potential effects on the vehicle’s condition can be traced.
Why is OBD-II analysis relevant in a forensic context?
Fault codes accessible via OBD-II can provide initial important indications of technical faults or anomalies before a more in-depth analysis of the control units is carried out.
As a read operation may, under certain circumstances, itself affect the contents of the error log, every access is carefully documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne
Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of OBD-II diagnostic logs"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that stands up in court, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle data.
Related to this topic
- Carrying out a forensic analysis of the fault memory – systematically analysing stored fault codes using forensic methods
- Forensic analysis of the Update software history – Forensic documentation of installed software versions and Update history
- Forensic analysis of OTA-Update logs – Forensic investigation of over-the-air updates
- Forensically reconstructing a vehicle’s route – using position and movement history for forensic purposes