A 2011 investigation into remnant data on second hand memory cards sold in Australia
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Editor(s)
Dr Andrew Woodward and Professor Craig Valli
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
School
School of Computer and Security Science / Security Research Centre (secAU)
RAS ID
12279
Abstract
The use of memory cards is widely used in numerous electronic devices including tablet computers, cameras, mobile phones and multimedia devices. Like a USB drive, memory cards are an inexpensive and portable persistent storage solution. Numerous manufactures are incorporating a memory card interface into their product, allowing for a large array of confidential data to be stored. This research aimed to determine the sensitivity, type and amount of data that remained on second hand memory cards post sale. In 2011, over an eight month period, 119 second hand memory cards were randomly purchased from eBay Australia. The findings from the research show that individuals utilise memory cards to store highly sensitive and confidential data, and as per similar previous studies, continually neglect to permanently destroy the data prior to sale.
DOI
10.4225/75/57b3ab8ffb85d
Access Rights
free_to_read
Comments
Szewczyk, P. S., & Sansurooah, K. (2011). A 2011 investigation into remnant data on second hand memory cards sold in Australia. Paper presented at the Australian Digital Forensics Conference. Perth, Western Australia. Available here