IT Forensics · macOS
Carry out Mac acquisition using SUMURI RECON ITR
SUMURI RECON ITR is a macOS-native solution for imaging and triage of modern Macs. The manufacturer states that it supports Intel T2 and Apple Silicon systems, APFS, Time Machine snapshots, logical backups and volatile data capture.
This point is particularly important for Apple computers, as their hardware and security architecture have changed significantly in recent years. An older Intel-based iMac, an Intel-based Mac with a T2 Security Chip and a current Mac Studio with Apple Silicon cannot be treated according to the same technical approach. APFS, Secure Enclave, FileVault and the respective system state determine which data is accessible and which backup method causes the least disruption.
RECON ITR is not used blindly according to a standard procedure. The device model, macOS version, encryption and the purpose of the evidence collection determine which capture mode is appropriate in each specific case.
Why LanCologne?
LanCologne does not examine Apple computers according to a standardised, one-size-fits-all approach, but rather on the basis of the specific hardware and security architecture. Our staff have decades of experience in information technology and many years of practical experience in IT forensics. We assist companies, solicitors and private individuals, as well as regularly supporting courts and public authorities, in the technical investigation of digital matters.
The investigation is generally carried out 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 is either left unchanged or, where technically unavoidable alterations have been made, these are transparently documented and the evidence is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.
Our working methods and the tools we use
Our investigation does not begin by launching an analysis programme, but by gathering evidence. The device, model, serial number or inventory reference, connection status, visible system status and any peripheral devices are documented. A decision is then made as to whether the system must remain switched off, whether live data capture is appropriate, or whether a recovery, target disk or share disk procedure is technically justifiable.
The next step is to define the backup strategy. We distinguish between block-level mapping, logical backups and targeted triage. The choice does not depend on convenience, but on the hardware generation, FileVault, the APFS structure, the available unlock status and the specific issue to be investigated. Where technically possible, we work in read-only mode. Any unavoidable changes to the system’s state during live or recovery procedures are explicitly logged.
The backup created is documented using hash values. The actual analysis is not carried out on the original, but on a working copy or a verified proof image. This allows parsers, searches or custom utilities to be used without continuously altering the original evidence.
For SUMURI RECON ITR and RECON LAB, we utilise the respective strengths of the native macOS workflow. RECON ITR is designed for imaging and triage on modern Macs; RECON LAB is used for in-depth analysis and reporting. The manufacturer highlights, amongst other things, support for Apple Silicon and Intel T2 in RECON ITR, as well as automated artefact processing and Apple Extended Metadata in RECON LAB. However, these functions do not replace the expert assessment carried out by the investigator.
For readers unfamiliar with the subject, one point is particularly important: a forensic programme does not automatically „find“ the truth. It reads data structures and interprets them according to known rules. If Apple changes a database or a metadata format with a new version of macOS, a parser may respond incompletely or incorrectly. That is why, when dealing with crucial findings, we check which file, database or file system structure the result originates from, and whether a second technical approach confirms the same findings.
That is also why we use several tools. RECON LAB can analyse Apple-specific structures natively on macOS; Belkasoft X offers a different perspective on artefacts and correlations; X-Ways enables highly detailed file system and raw data checks. If independent analyses agree, this increases the robustness of the findings. If they do not agree, the cause is investigated rather than simply selecting the most convenient match.
Typical areas of application
This is how the forensic investigation is carried out
The Apple device is first clearly identified and documented either by photograph or in writing. We note whether it is switched on or off, logged in, locked or connected to external storage devices. This information may prove crucial later on.
The chip generation, macOS version, APFS structure, FileVault and relevant security mechanisms are determined. Only then can the appropriate capture method be identified.
The backup method is chosen so that as few changes as possible are made to the original. Depending on the situation, RECON ITR can be used for imaging or triage on modern Macs. Other situations require Apple Recovery, Target Disk Mode on Intel-based systems, or Share Disk on Apple Silicon-based systems. Every step is logged.
Images or logical backups that are created are given unique names, assigned hash values and verified. Analysis and search operations are then carried out on working copies.
RECON LAB, Belkasoft X and X-Ways are combined depending on the specific problem. Where possible, an important result is not derived from a single parser view alone.
If an artefact is particularly relevant to the evidence, unusual, or only partially supported by standard software, we manually examine raw data, database structures, metadata or file system information. Where necessary, we use our own tools.
In the end, we do more than simply list the results displayed by a tool. We explain the technical basis for the findings, what conclusions can be drawn, and where the limitations lie.
Why is this area of investigation relevant to forensics?
SUMURI RECON ITR is a macOS-native solution for imaging and triage of modern Macs. The manufacturer states that it supports Intel T2 and Apple Silicon systems, APFS, Time Machine snapshots, logical backups and volatile data capture.
The forensic value lies not solely in the volume of data found, but in its origin and reliability. A file name, a timestamp or a database entry can be misleading without context. That is why we document how an artefact may have come into being, what alternative explanations exist and what further evidence supports the findings.
RECON ITR is not used blindly according to a standard procedure. The device model, macOS version, encryption and the purpose of the evidence collection determine which capture mode is appropriate in each specific case.
On modern Macs in particular, attempts at a „traditional“ disk analysis may also fail due to technical limitations. Hardware-based encryption, Secure Enclave, FileVault and APFS clearly illustrate why it is so important to carry out a proper backup before the actual analysis begins. Errors made at this stage cannot always be reversed later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What forensic considerations should be borne in mind when „carrying out a Mac acquisition using SUMURI RECON ITR“?
How does such a forensic investigation work in practice?
What is the forensic significance of the findings in this area?
Are assumptions presented as confirmed findings in such an investigation?
🔗 Related topics
LanCologne – macOS Forensics in Cologne
Do you require a professional investigation into „Carrying out Mac forensics with SUMURI RECON ITR“? LanCologne supports you in securing evidence in a legally admissible manner, conducting multi-stage analysis and producing traceable documentation. The key here is not to generate as many automated hits as possible, but to secure technically sound and verifiable evidence.