Understanding Pattern-of-Life Data in Mobile Device Forensics
In mobile device forensics, “pattern-of-life” data refers to the behaviors and activities of individuals as inferred from their mobile device usage. By analyzing this data, investigators can gain valuable insights into a person’s movements, activities, and interactions with their device, particularly during or near the timeframe of a significant event. Such events may include traffic accidents, workplace incidents, trip-and-fall cases, or criminal investigations like homicides, assaults, robberies, stalking, or terrorism.

Key Aspects of Pattern-of-Life Data in Mobile Forensics
1. Location Data:
By examining GPS coordinates, Wi-Fi connections, and cell tower data, digital forensic analysts can reconstruct an individual’s movements during a specific timeframe. This information helps identify precise locations and travel paths that may be relevant to the investigation.
2. Application Usage:
Investigating application usage can reveal when a user interacted with an app and, in some cases, provide specific insights into what they were doing within the application at a particular moment.
3. Health and Fitness Data:
Data from health and fitness apps, such as activity monitors, step counts, and heart rate readings, can offer insights into changes in an individual’s activity levels. For example, the data may indicate transitions from inactive states (e.g., sleeping, sitting, or driving) to active states (e.g., walking or running). This information is particularly useful for pinpointing the exact timeframe of a significant event.
4. Communication Records:
Call logs, text messages, and emails can reveal when an individual communicated with emergency personnel or family members about a significant event.
5. Media Files:
Photos and videos captured during or shortly after an incident can also provide valuable context. It’s common for device users to document events using their cameras, creating crucial evidence for investigators.
The Value of Timestamps in Pattern-of-Life Data
Most digital pattern-of-life artifacts are associated with timestamps—often multiple timestamps—that indicate when specific events occurred. When viewed in a chronological timeline, these timestamps become a powerful tool for assembling the “what happened” puzzle. For this reason, sorting timestamps chronologically is often the starting point for digital forensic analysis related to significant events.
One particularly valuable source of pattern-of-life data is database entries with timestamped information. These entries often capture short-lived, event-specific data that may only be retained for a limited period. Therefore, prompt preservation of the device following an incident is important to help capture the most relevant evidence.

That said, not all is lost if a device is not immediately preserved. There are other sources of this type of data, and a recently discovered database file has been found to store application usage data spanning several months. I’ll discuss this discovery in more detail in an upcoming blog post.
The Images Below: A Closer Look at Forensic Data



The images above provide examples of the type of data digital forensic analysts review during significant event investigations. They show databases, log files, and timestamped entries—the foundational elements of pattern-of-life analysis in these investigations.
A common misconception is that forensic analysts sift through private photos, videos, messages, or web history as part of a voyeuristic exercise. This misunderstanding is both well-intentioned and inaccurate. In reality, most significant event investigations don’t require such invasive scrutiny.
Experienced digital forensic analysts do not take pleasure in delving into someone’s personal life. Instead, we focus on technical data—databases, logs, and timestamps—to uncover patterns of activity at or near the time of the incident. Only after thoroughly analyzing this data do we begin reviewing date- and time-stamped photos, videos, messages, or browsing history, and only when it’s necessary to answer specific investigative questions.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
Privacy concerns often arise early in investigations, and these concerns are valid. However, it’s important to understand that forensic investigations prioritize data relevant to the case. Analysts are primarily looking for timestamped evidence in databases or logs related to app usage, location, or device interactions, rather than personal content.
By taking a methodical and respectful approach, digital forensic analysts ensure that the investigation remains focused on uncovering the truth while maintaining a high standard of privacy and professionalism.
Conclusion
Pattern-of-life data offers investigators a unique and powerful lens through which to understand an individual’s movements and actions during critical timeframes. By analyzing timestamps, application usage, location data, and other technical artifacts, investigators can reconstruct events with remarkable precision.
While misconceptions about privacy and data misuse persist, it’s important to recognize that the goal of forensic analysis is not to invade someone’s personal life. Instead, it’s about uncovering the truth using technical evidence. The images in this post demonstrate the type of data that drives such analyses—structured, timestamped, and focused on the facts of the case.
Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll discuss a new database file that can extend the reach of forensic investigations.