Unauthorized access to a smartphone, missing messages, unknown devices in a personal account, or confidential information suddenly known to someone else: Digital incidents often begin with concrete anomalies. However, whether manipulation, surveillance, or unauthorized access has actually occurred can only be assessed based on the available technical evidence.

For clients in Krefeld, we examine smartphones, computers, data storage devices, and other digital evidence . For private individuals, the focus is often on mobile phone forensics, deleted communications, potential account access, or digital disputes following a separation. Companies require support in cases such as data theft, unusual employee activity, cyber incidents, or the potential leakage of confidential business and project data.

The investigation does not begin with the most comprehensive data analysis possible, but with a specific question: What needs to be clarified technically? Which devices can contain relevant information? What traces are still present? Only then are suitable preservation and analysis procedures determined.

IT forensics in Krefeld – separating digital facts from assumptions

Digital forensics aims to reconstruct technical processes in a traceable manner. It is crucial not to overinterpret individual artifacts. A connected USB stick does not prove data theft. An unusual login does not automatically identify the person involved. High battery consumption or device overheating are also not proof of spyware.

Depending on the case, various data sources are therefore compared. System information, timestamps, user activities, communication data, account connections, or file system artifacts can complement each other and thus provide a reliable overall picture.

Mobile phone forensics for private individuals in Krefeld

Smartphones are among the most information-rich personal devices. Messengers, emails, photos, contacts, location information, user accounts, apps, and cloud connections can all be relevant for reconstructing a digital event.

Typical private investigation questions include:

• Could another person possibly have access to my smartphone?
• Are there any technical indications of spyware or manipulation?
• What unknown devices or account connections exist?
• Can WhatsApp messages or other communications be analyzed?
• Is it possible to recover deleted data?
• Are digital access channels still available after a separation?
• What data can be secured for legal proceedings?

The information that is technically accessible depends heavily on the specific device. Manufacturer, model, operating system, security level, encryption, and device condition all influence the possibilities. A detailed explanation can be found in our knowledge article " What is Smartphone Forensics?".

Mobile phone hacked or monitored – what can really be checked?

In cases of suspected unauthorized access, one should not automatically assume classic spyware. Especially in private settings, simpler access methods often exist: a previously known password, a still-authorized device, a shared Apple or Google account, a cloud connection, or an active sharing arrangement.

Depending on the device, a forensic investigation can include applications, permissions, system artifacts, account connections, and other technical anomalies. The investigation remains open-ended. If no conclusive evidence of the suspected compromise is found, this finding is also relevant.

Our article " How can I find out if my mobile phone is being monitored?" explains what those affected should do if they suspect surveillance.

WhatsApp and Messenger as digital evidence

WhatsApp can contain significantly more forensic information than the chat visible on the screen. Depending on the data available, messages, timestamps, participant information, media, documents, group information, and other technical artifacts can be examined.

This is particularly relevant when communication needs to be chronologically compared with other events, or when the authenticity and origin of existing data need to be technically assessed. A screenshot, in this context, carries different weight than data from a verifiably secured original source.

We explain in detail which information can be technically evaluated under "Forensic evaluation of WhatsApp messages".

Can deleted WhatsApp messages or photos be recovered?

This is possible under certain conditions, but by no means guaranteed. Modern smartphones use flash memory, encryption, and complex database structures. If content has been deleted, its possible reconstruction depends on whether usable data remnants, older databases, media, or backups still exist.

Therefore, a device with potentially relevant deleted data should ideally not be reset or unnecessarily reused. Reinstalling WhatsApp can also alter existing data structures.

iPhone and Android forensics

The technical starting point differs significantly between iPhones and Android devices. For Apple devices, factors such as model, iOS version, security configuration, and device condition all play a role. With Android devices, different manufacturers, chipsets, operating system versions, and security mechanisms also come into play.

Therefore, the same extraction method is not used across the board. Further technical background information can be found in the knowledge articles iPhone Forensics and Android Forensics.

Computer forensics – reconstructing activities and data movements

With computers, it's often less about finding a single file and more about understanding its technical context. When was it created, opened, or modified? What user activities took place during the same period? Were external storage devices connected? What other system traces correspond to the process under investigation?

Windows systems, Macs, SSDs, and traditional hard drives store different artifacts. Depending on the object being examined, this can include file system information, user activity, browser data, system logs, and connected devices.

Our article "What is Computer Forensics?" provides an overview of typical possibilities.

Krefeld as an industrial location – when digital know-how becomes evidence

Krefeld has a strong industrial base. Chemical industries, vehicle manufacturing, metal production, and other manufacturing sectors are complemented by trade, services, and a diverse range of medium-sized businesses. At the same time, business processes are increasingly digitized and distributed across various devices, user accounts, and cloud systems.

This also increases the importance of digital business data. Technical documentation, project documents, calculations, customer and supplier data, contract information, and internal communication can have considerable economic value.

Therefore, in cases of concrete suspicion of a data breach, an entire company network should not be evaluated indiscriminately. First, it is necessary to narrow down which data might be affected, which time period is relevant, and on which systems technically significant traces are to be expected.

IT forensics for companies in Krefeld

Typical business-related questions arise around dismissals, job changes, internal conflicts, or cyber incidents. For example, the following can be investigated:

• whether certain company files were processed or deleted
• which USB storage devices or external storage media were used,
• whether any unusual file activity occurred prior to leaving the service,
• which user accounts were used for relevant processes,
• whether there are indications of a data leak via cloud or communication services,
• which systems may have been affected by a cyber incident.

Especially in cases involving employees, the correlation of multiple pieces of evidence is important. For example, simply connecting a USB device does not answer the question of whether specific trade secrets were transferred.

How such processes can be technically investigated is explained in the article " Forensically Proving Data Theft by Employees".

Cyber ​​incidents – securing and technically classifying attack traces

Following a cyberattack, companies often need to act simultaneously and gather evidence. A compromised system should not be operated unnecessarily; however, a hasty reinstallation or cleanup can alter relevant evidence.

Depending on the attack, end devices, user accounts, system logs, email data, or other digital sources may be relevant. The goal is to use the available data to determine, as transparently as possible, which systems were affected and which processes can be technically reconstructed.

The basics of this area of ​​investigation can be found under What is Cyber ​​Forensics?.

Digital evidence preservation – quality begins before analysis

The validity of a subsequent result depends significantly on how the object of study was handled. Appropriate data backup should create a reproducible basis for the work and prevent unnecessary alterations to the original data.

The method used depends on the device. A smartphone has different requirements than a hard drive, SSD, or a modern encrypted computer. With suitable backups, hash values ​​can be used for integrity control.

In cases relevant to evidence, the chain of custody can also be documented: Which device was seized? When was it secured? Which database was analyzed? How was the evidence handled subsequently? You can find out more about this under Chain of Custody in Digital Forensics.

Specialized forensic technology – the right tool for the right data source

No single forensic program covers smartphones, computers, and different operating systems equally well. Depending on the object of investigation and the specific questions being asked, tools such as Cellebrite UFED, Cellebrite Collector, Cellebrite Inspector, X-Ways Forensics, MOBILedit Forensic, and MEFF 3 PRO, as well as other specialized tools, can be used.

Technical equipment is only one aspect of professional forensics. Software can extract and structure data. The crucial next step is the expert evaluation: How did an artifact originate? What information does it actually convey? What other clues confirm or challenge the findings?

Certified quality and expert competence

LB Detektive GmbH (LB Group) has a quality management system certified by TÜV NORD according to DIN EN ISO 9001, the scope of which includes IT forensics . In addition, the expert is certified according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024.

This combines defined organizational quality processes with proven, individualized expert competence. For clients, transparent investigation procedures, controlled handling of evidence, and clear, professional documentation are particularly relevant.

Typical examination situations in Krefeld

Private individual: Access after a separation

Another person appears to still have access to private information. Instead of immediately assuming spyware, possible access points are narrowed down via smartphones, accounts, synchronized devices, and known login credentials. Only then can it be determined which systems should actually be investigated.

Private individual: deleted messenger communication

For personal or legal disputes, previous messages are needed. First, the device, messaging app, deletion period, and available data sources are assessed. Only then can a reliable evaluation be made as to whether any technically usable information might still exist.

Company: Suspected leak of business or project data

Shortly before a change of employer, unusual file activity is noticed. Instead of drawing conclusions from a single artifact, the relevant time period, file system traces, external storage media, and other existing events are compared.

How does an IT forensic investigation proceed?

1. Define the research question

The initial suspicion evolves into a concrete technical question.

2. Determine relevant evidence

It will be determined which smartphones, computers, storage devices or accounts can actually contribute to the clarification.

3. Secure data properly

The security procedure is adapted to the object under investigation, the operating system, and the technical condition.

4. Analyze relevant traces

Digital artifacts are evaluated and, if necessary, correlated with other data sources in terms of time and content.

5. Document results professionally

Depending on the assignment, the findings can be compiled into a structured investigation report or expert opinion.

What should those affected avoid before an examination?

• Do not hastily reset a potentially compromised smartphone.
• Do not remove suspicious apps manually.
• Do not reinstall WhatsApp if older communication is relevant.
• Do not install any unknown spyware or cleaning programs.
• Do not unnecessarily modify computers and data storage devices.
• Document unknown logins and security alerts.

IT forensics in Krefeld and our areas of operation in the Lower Rhine region

Our service area includes Krefeld, Meerbusch, Willich, Kempen, Tönisvorst, Viersen, Moers, Neuss, and other cities along the Lower Rhine. Due to our location between the Lower Rhine and the Rhine-Ruhr region, we also have short regional connections to Düsseldorf and Duisburg.

Private individuals, lawyers and companies from the region can have individual smartphones or computers as well as more complex cases with multiple digital pieces of evidence examined.

Frequently asked questions about IT forensics in Krefeld

Can I, as a private individual, commission a mobile phone forensics analysis?

Yes. Private investigations often concern potential unauthorized access, deleted communications, smartphones, user accounts, or digital evidence in personal and legal disputes.

Is it possible to determine if my smartphone has been hacked?

Existing technical traces of possible unauthorized access can be examined. Whether a compromise can be detected depends on the device, operating system, possible access method, and the remaining data.

Can my former partner still access my data?

This is technically possible in various ways. Besides malware, known passwords, still-authorized devices, cloud accounts, or synchronization functions can be relevant, for example. The specific situation must be assessed individually.

Can WhatsApp messages be forensically analyzed?

Yes, provided the relevant data is present on the smartphone, in a backup, or in another accessible data source. Depending on the data set, timestamps, media, and other technical information may be relevant in addition to messages.

Can deleted messages be recovered?

Under certain circumstances, some data remnants or older backups may still exist. However, a complete recovery cannot be guaranteed.

Is it possible to determine whether company data has been copied?

Depending on the system, file activity, external storage devices, and other technical traces can be examined. Whether the transfer of specific files can be proven depends on the available data.

Can cyberattacks be investigated retrospectively?

Yes, if suitable data sources are still available. Depending on the incident, end devices, user accounts, logs, or other systems may be relevant.

What is a chain of custody?

It documents the traceable handling of a piece of evidence – for example, its acquisition, identification, securing, and further processing. This makes it possible to later trace the data on which an investigation was based.

Can an expert report be prepared?

Yes. Depending on the task at hand, an IT forensic expert report can be prepared in addition to a technical investigation report.

How much does an IT forensic investigation cost in Krefeld?

The effort required depends on the specific question, the number of devices, the amount of data, technical accessibility, and the desired documentation. Therefore, in more complex cases, the necessary scope of the investigation is initially defined.

Request IT forensics services in Krefeld

Whether it's a suspicious smartphone, deleted communication, possible account access, data leakage or a cyber incident: For an initial assessment, the affected device, the specific anomaly, the relevant time period and possible changes since the event are particularly important.

Based on this, it is possible to determine which digital evidence is needed and which preservation and analysis method is suitable for the respective case.