IT Forensics · Car

Forensic analysis of vehicle telematics units – Forensic use of permanently fitted communication modules

Many modern vehicles are fitted with permanently installed telematics units that can transmit location, driving and status data to the manufacturer’s or operator’s Server systems, for example for emergency call services or fleet management.

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These units may contain both data cached locally and, subject to the appropriate authorisation, historical data accessible via the cloud connection.

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 examine the available telematics data for a vehicle, back up locally accessible data and, where we have the necessary authorisation, also analyse cloud-based records.

Typical areas of application

•Analysis of transmitted position and status data
•Supplementing missing local vehicle data
•Investigation of communication with manufacturer Servern
•Proof of an active telematics connection at a specific point in time
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Incident Response for Vehicle Incidents

How a telematics analysis works

Once the data has been backed up, the system checks which telematics data is accessible locally within the vehicle. Provided the necessary authorisation is in place, any additional cloud data available from the operator or manufacturer is also backed up and compared with the local data.

Why is telematics analysis relevant in a forensic context?

Telematics data that has been transmitted may still be available to the manufacturer or operator even if the local vehicle data has already been overwritten or deleted.

Evidence of active data transmission may also be relevant to data protection issues relating to vehicle use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a telematics unit fitted in every modern vehicle?+
Not necessarily; it depends on the manufacturer, model and specifications.
How is the manufacturer’s cloud data accessed?+
Only with the vehicle owner’s authorisation or on the basis of a valid legal basis.
Can telematics connections be deactivated?+
With some systems, yes, depending on the relevant privacy and usage settings.

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LanCologne – Vehicle IT Forensics, Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of vehicle telematics units"? LanCologne can assist you in securing digital evidence in a manner that meets legal standards, as well as in the transparent analysis of relevant vehicle artefacts.

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