Our phones have become more than just a tool for making calls. They hold sensitive information (bank account details, private conversations), which makes them prone to attacks by hackers. Even though security protection mechanisms are present, malware still makes its way to devices by leveraging stealthy evasion techniques, which make it more difficult for incident responders to analyse and respond to the malware. The main consequences may include invasion of privacy, financial loss, and personal safety.
The team leading the DETECTIF project consists of Ms Jennifer Bellizzi, , and who work within the Computer Science Department at the Faculty of ICT.
"Following the success of a novel technique called Just-In-Time Memory Forensics (JIT-MF), developed by members of the Computer Science Department, at the Faculty of ICT, the newly launched project DETECTIF aims to improve state-of-the-art mobile forensics when dealing with cybercrime incidents involving Android malware aimed at financial theft and the compromise of personal safety." says Ms Bellizzi.
JIT-MF addresses these challenges by providing a solution that forensically enhances apps to timely collect elusive evidence in memory while remaining compatible with stock devices. However, this solution does not scale well to extend its protection scope in its current form and is limited concerning the types of apps it can forensically enhance. The overarching aim of the DETECTIF project is to evolve JIT-MF further by exploring possible solutions that can solve its current limitations.
More information about the project and its aims can be found on the project .
Project DETECTIF is financed by the Malta Council for Science & Technology, for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology, through the FUSION: R&I Research Excellence Programme. "
