What’s cloud data extraction?
Cloud Data Extraction: What It Means
Cloud data extraction involves retrieving and analyzing data stored on cloud services such as iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, 2006), forensic processes for cloud data must preserve evidence integrity while addressing the distributed nature of cloud environments.
Unlike traditional device-based collection, cloud-based data extraction enables access to synced app data, cloud-only backups, and files deleted locally but still present in the cloud. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA, 2015) emphasizes that cloud forensics can recover evidence unavailable on physical devices, enhancing investigative capabilities.
As cloud reliance grows, cloud data extraction remains essential for investigators seeking complete insights while maintaining legal and technical compliance.
Cloud Data Extraction: Mainstream Targets
Cloud data extraction primarily focuses on retrieving data from widely used cloud service providers that store vast amounts of user and organizational information. These platforms include general-purpose cloud storage services, platform-specific cloud ecosystems, and app-centric cloud environments.
1.Apple iCloud
Apple iCloud stores backups, photos, messages, app data, and location information across Apple devices. iCloud forensics is critical for accessing device backups, synced app data, and Find My location data, providing insights into user activity and device states across multiple Apple devices.
2.Google Cloud Services
Google’s cloud ecosystem includes Google Drive, Gmail, Google Photos, and device backups. Data available for extraction may include documents, emails, contact lists, location history, and data from Android device backups.
3.Microsoft OneDrive and Office 365
Microsoft OneDrive and Office 365 store documents, emails, and collaboration data across devices. Extraction from these services is critical in corporate investigations and incident response to recover user documents, shared files, and email communications across organizational accounts.
4.Amazon Web Services(AWS)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides cloud infrastructure widely used for hosting enterprise data, virtual machines, and cloud storage through Amazon S3. Cloud data extraction from AWS can involve log data, user activity records, and stored files necessary for security investigations and compliance audits.
5.Social Media and App-Specific Clouds
Many applications maintain cloud-based data storage independently, such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. Extraction from these platforms can include message histories, shared media, and account activity logs, providing critical evidence in legal investigations and eDiscovery processes.
