The chapter contains many of the technical terms used throughout the book. The aim is to introduce the term in an easy-to-read manner and not focus on an overly technical description. There are many online resources available where more technical explanations can be provided, however, in this book, the focus is on an interpretation suitable to the reader who is new to the topic of digital evidence.

Glossary Terms

Artificial intelligence: (AI) Ability of machines and computers to learn from human inputs and develop their own form of knowledge and learning.

Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration: (ATGA) Government regulatory authority for medicine and associated products.

Auto Fill: Automatically fills a text box with pre-input data.

Build Number: Version of an application or component of technology.

Building Automation Systems (BAS): Controls the operation of a building including lifts, lighting, air conditioning, heating and security. Central control systems connect the many forms of data inputs throughout a building to regulate the operation and function of the building within pre-determined inputs.

Child Exploitation Material (CEM): Indecent images of children and other persons. Often pornographic and may include images of other forms of abuse.

Cloud Service Provider (CSP): Provides a range of cloud services to clients. These services may range from storage, e.g., DropBox, to a wider range of services from organisations such as Microsoft, Apple, Amazon Web Service and Google.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA): Technology that allows multiple users to use the same communications channel at the same time.

Companion Device: A computer device used to set up and operate Internet of Things (IoT) devices within an environment. Commonly, a laptop or mobile device will be involved in the initial configuration to IoT devices.

Domain Name: A domain is the name of the website you are visiting. It is a unique identifier and may be named after the organisation or service they offer. The domain name of Bond University, for example, is bond.edu.au.

Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP): Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is used to automate the process of configuring network settings on devices. For example, when connecting to your home network your device (laptop) needs network settings to communicate. You can manually enter in the network settings or use DHCP to auto-configure the network settings.

Electronic Control Units: (ECU): Controls one of the many components of a motor vehicle. A vehicle may have up to 100 ECUs, each communicating with the Telematics Control Unit to transmit data to an external party. Examples of ECUs include brakes, air conditioning, tyres, speed and recording the manner of driving.

End User Licence Agreement (EULA): This is the agreement between a user and an organisation that outlines the terms of services of the goods and/or services provided.

Engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM): Measures the speed of a device or vehicle.

Event Data Recorder (EDR): Often called the “black box” of a motor vehicle. Records key inputs from the Electronic Control Units (ECU) in the moments before an incident such as a vehicle crash. The concept is similar to the black box referenced in plane crashes.

Exchangeable Image File (EXIF): Standard for storing information about images in digital photography such as camera make and model, date and time of image capture and depending upon configuration, GPS location data.

FOMO: Fear of missing out.

Facebook Conversations Messenger: Conversation service where text, images and multimedia may be communicated.

Fitzpatrick Skin Type: Skin tones and its response to ultraviolet light.

Global Positioning System (GPS): A satellite system which devices can connect to and identify and find a precise location.

Integrated Circuit Card ID (ICCID): This is the number recorded on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. It is also a unique identifier of the SIM card which can be used to locate the region where a SIM card was purchased.

Intellectual Property: Unique property belonging to a person or organisation. This property has a unique value.

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI): Unique identification number of a mobile phone.

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI): Uniquely identifies every user of a cellular network. This number is assigned to a SIM card used by a mobile device.

Internet of Things (IoT): Devices capable of being connected to the internet. This category is distinct from devices commonly considered, such as computers and mobile devices. Examples of IoT include smart televisions, home assistants, connected doorbells, lights and sprinkler systems.

Internet Protocol: (IP) Standard for the transmission of data across the internet.

Jailbreaking: Removing restrictions on operating systems to increase the potential functionality of the device. This may increase the security risks of the device as security protocols may be overridden or disabled in the jailbreaking procedure.

Malicious Software: Also known as malware. Software that is designed to do harm to your device or network. Examples include viruses, worms and ransomware.

Media Access Control (MAC): A unique communication identifier for your connected device. For example, a laptop will have unique identifiers for ethernet (the physical blue cable), and wireless and Bluetooth connections.

Medical ID: Important information about an individual stored in an accessible feature of the phone. It is designed so if a person has a medical episode and is unable to communicate, the mobile device can inform responders about essential information such as allergies, medical history and next of kin.

Metadata: Commonly referred to as “Data about data”. Examples of metadata include details about a document you created. The metadata can include the identifier of the person who created the document, the date and time of its creation, identities and instances of persons accessing and modifying the document, and the pathway on the device where it is stored.

Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID): A unique identifier burnt into a mobile device and cannot be modified.

Near Field Communication (NFC): Near proximity connectivity standard. You may be familiar with using NFC when using your phone to make payments.

On Board Diagnostics (OBD): Ability to conduct an examination of a vehicle, using self-diagnostic analysis from the smart vehicle. The vehicle provides the output of the self-diagnostic to the examiner communicating through the OBD.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): Identifying data from open source websites and other sources. OSINT is freely available to researchers and is used to locate information on a topic, individual or organisation.

Operating System (OS): Manages the hardware and software of a device. You will be familiar with OS such as Windows, MacOS and Linux OS.

Personality DNA: The collection and analysis of large volumes of data from online and offline sources which provides an understanding of the personality and character traits of an individual. This can lead to the projection of how a person will respond to specific circumstances which are yet to occur.

Portable Document Format (PDF): Adobe file format.

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Ability to remotely connect to a device. This is a Microsoft product that allows devices to remotely connect.

Screenshots: Taking an image of a screen page using a specific application or key shortcuts provided by the host operating system.

Secure Element Identifier (SEID): Technology used in making contactless payments whilst using Near Field Communication (NFC).

Service Set Identifier (SSID): Unique identifier for a network. Your home network has a SSID and this can be the default setting when the modem/router was installed, or you may provide a unique name such as “Family”.

Share Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): Apple Maps feature where your ETA can be recorded and shared with people in your device contacts list.    

Short Message Service (SMS): A text-only messaging service.

Stenography: The hiding of data within images.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM): Used to identify and authenticate an account on mobile devices. This is a unique identifier of the device and is linked to the associated account.

Telematics Control Units (TCU): Found in smart motor vehicles. Connects the vehicle to the internet to communicate with nearby vehicles. Transmits vehicle data as per configuration.

The Online Router (TOR): The TOR network is a privacy connection with an accompanying web browser that allows people to communicate and navigate the internet with a higher level of security than using traditional measures. The TOR is designed to allow private communication and web navigation in countries that are hostile to human rights.

Uniform Resource Locator (URL): Internet address where a website can be located.

Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS): A backup power source attached to a device or system. It operates when the main source of power is interrupted, leading to an immediate transfer to the alternate power source.

Universal Serial Bus (USB): Physical interface and protocol for the connection and transfer of data between a device and external storage. Also, the protocol for charging devices connected through a USB port.

Vehicle to Vehicle communication(V2V): Protocol in which smart motor vehicles communicate with each other whilst travelling. One example may be the smart car automatically slowing because it has identified a vehicle in front is too close.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A unique identifier for a motor vehicle. The VIN number may be located on different parts of the vehicle including the chassis.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP): Method of conducting voice communication over the internet. Uses broadband connectivity rather than traditional telephony such as phone lines.

Wake word: A specified word used to activate a home assistance device such as “Hi Siri”. This can be changed to any word or phrase the owner chooses.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi): Method of communicating devices to connection service. This is a network protocol that allows devices to connect without the use of physical connectivity such as cables.