Elusive Data digital forensics training

Python for Mobile Forensics Training

  • Advanced Level
  • 24 Hours
  • Updated 2026

When standard forensic tools reach their limits, Python gives you another way forward. This certified, hands-on training takes digital forensic professionals from basic experience to confident Python proficiency. Updated for 2026, you'll learn to build your own scripts to extract, parse, and analyze hidden evidence from mobile app data, work with unsupported applications, and automate repetitive tasks. Develop practical Python skills you can apply directly in real forensic investigations.

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Python for Mobile Forensics — Course Overview Elusive Data

Why this course

Go beyond what your forensic tools can do.

Build the confidence to investigate mobile app data on your own terms.

When standard tools cannot parse an app or a task requires more flexibility, Python lets you develop your own approach instead of relying on predefined output.

Investigate unsupported apps

Work with data your forensic tools may not recognize.

Build your own solutions

Write scripts to extract, parse and structure evidence.

Save time on repetitive work

Automate processing with reusable forensic scripts.

Work with confidence

Understand, verify and explain how your results were produced.

The result

Greater independence and practical Python skills you can bring into real forensic investigations.

The learning experience

Learn Python through forensic work.

A practical route from basic scripting experience to writing and using your own forensic code.

Start with the foundations

Strengthen your Python knowledge in a forensic context.

Write and test real scripts

Work through guided coding exercises using forensic datasets.

Apply your skills to investigations

Tackle realistic challenges with reusable, tool-independent methods.

Built for forensic professionals

Instructor-led, hands-on training that connects Python programming to the work you do in the field.

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What you'll learn

Build Python skills you can use in investigations.

From Python fundamentals to custom forensic scripts.

Learn to write, run and adapt Python code for working with mobile app data, including tasks that standard forensic tools cannot complete for you.

Understand Python scripting

Learn core syntax, functions and scripting techniques used in forensic workflows.

Extract and structure app data

Build scripts to retrieve, filter and organize information from mobile application files.

Develop custom parsers

Work with unsupported applications, databases and unfamiliar data structures.

Automate repetitive tasks

Create reusable scripts that reduce manual processing across forensic datasets.

Validate and prepare findings

Check how data is processed, transform outputs and structure results for reporting.

Learning outcome

Build repeatable, tool-independent Python workflows for mobile forensic analysis.

Data and techniques

Work with the data behind mobile apps.

Apply Python to structured, binary and application-specific data.

Explore the formats and libraries commonly encountered when examining mobile application artifacts.

Databases SQLite

Query, extract and process database records with Python.

Structured data JSON & Plist

Read and parse structured mobile application data.

Other formats XML & Protobuf

Explore additional formats used to store application data.

Raw data Binary & Hex

Work with byte-level data and custom file structures.

Python libraries

Work with sqlite3, json and plistlib to access and process forensic data.

Custom data handling

Adapt scripts for unfamiliar file structures and application-specific artifacts.

Practical application

Understand how to use Python with different types of mobile app data, not just one forensic tool or format.

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Hands-on training

Write the code. Work with the evidence.

Spend your training time building and testing Python scripts, not just watching demonstrations.

Work through structured coding exercises using realistic mobile forensic data. Each activity connects Python techniques to a practical investigative task.

Write Python scripts

Develop code for forensic extraction and analysis.

Test with forensic data

Run scripts against realistic app datasets.

Troubleshoot your code

Examine outputs, identify errors and refine scripts.

Solve forensic tasks

Apply scripting techniques to case-inspired challenges.

The practical difference

You develop Python skills through doing the work yourself, with opportunities to test and improve your approach.

Inside the classroom

Guided instruction. Practical application.

Learn alongside an instructor who connects the code to forensic work.

Follow demonstrations, ask questions and put each technique into practice during the training sessions.

Follow live coding demonstrations

See how scripts are built, explained and tested step by step.

Practice with instructor guidance

Work through exercises and discuss questions as they arise.

Connect coding to casework

Understand how the techniques apply to mobile forensic examinations.

Training formats

Instructor-led Live Online and Classroom training, with hands-on scripting exercises in both formats.

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Who this course is for

Forensic professionals ready to use Python in casework.

Designed for investigators who want more flexibility in how they work with mobile app data.

Whether you're extending existing scripts or developing your own, this course connects Python programming to practical mobile forensic examination.

01
Digital forensic examiners

Looking to extend investigations beyond standard parser output.

02
Mobile forensic analysts

Working with unsupported apps, custom databases and app artifacts.

03
Technical investigators

Wanting to automate data extraction, processing and analysis tasks.

Who benefits most

Professionals who want greater control over how forensic data is extracted, processed and interpreted.

Before you join

A starting point you can build on.

Some Python or scripting experience is recommended.

The course develops core Python techniques in a forensic context, then applies them to mobile app data and practical coding exercises.

Recommended background Basic Python or scripting knowledge

Familiarity with basic programming concepts gives you a useful starting point for the practical exercises.

Forensic context Experience with mobile app data

Understanding the kinds of files and artifacts encountered in mobile investigations will help you connect the code to your work.

Learning approach Willingness to write and test code

Expect to work directly with Python scripts during hands-on instructor-led exercises.

Not sure about your experience?

Contact us and we'll help you assess whether the course is the right fit.

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Your instructor

Learn Python from James Eichbaum.

Learn from an experienced digital forensics instructor who connects Python programming to real investigative work.

Over the past 17+ years, James has trained thousands of forensic professionals in more than 30 countries, with a focus on practical investigation, technical understanding and forensic interpretation.

His background spans law enforcement casework, mobile device investigations, specialist forensic training and tool development. Before co-founding Elusive Data, James served as Global Training Manager at MSAB, developing and delivering advanced training for forensic professionals worldwide.

Teaching approach

James teaches Python through the work forensic examiners actually do. Rather than presenting programming in isolation, he connects scripting concepts to extracting, parsing and analyzing mobile app data, helping participants understand both the code and its investigative purpose.

Training formats

Instructor-led, wherever you train.

This three-day course combines live instruction with hands-on Python exercises and realistic forensic datasets.

Live Online Interactive remote training with instructor demonstrations, guided scripting labs and opportunities to ask questions.
Classroom Training In-person, instructor-led training for groups, available by request.

An On-Demand version is planned but is not yet available.

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FAQ

Questions before you join?

Practical answers for forensic examiners, team leads and training coordinators considering Python for Mobile Forensics.

Course and practical work

The experience you need, the technical scope and how the practical training works.

Do I need prior Python experience?

You do not need to be an experienced developer. The course introduces core Python concepts and builds towards practical forensic scripting. Basic Python or scripting familiarity is recommended so you can make the most of the hands-on exercises.

Is this an advanced course or suitable for beginners?

The course is aimed at forensic professionals who want to develop their Python capabilities. It starts with the fundamentals and progresses into more advanced forensic scripting and data analysis. You do not need advanced programming experience, but some scripting familiarity is helpful.

What kinds of practical exercises are included?

You write and test Python scripts using realistic mobile forensic datasets. Exercises cover extracting, parsing and structuring application artifacts, including SQLite databases, JSON, Plist and other data formats, alongside automating repetitive analysis tasks.

Can I use these skills with Cellebrite, Magnet or other forensic tools?

Yes. The course teaches tool-independent Python methods that can complement commercial forensic platforms. You can apply these skills to supported exports and underlying data files, automate processing and help validate interpretations. Direct integrations or proprietary tool APIs are not part of the course.

Is the course updated for 2026?

Yes. The 2026 course focuses on Python scripting techniques, relevant libraries and practical workflows for modern mobile application investigations. Its emphasis is on extracting, analyzing and validating data through hands-on forensic work.

Will I be able to write my own scripts after the course?

That is a central learning goal. You develop and test scripts throughout the training, building a foundation for creating and adapting Python code for extraction, parsing, automation and validation in your own forensic work.

Training, certification and booking

Delivery options, course preparation and details for individual learners and forensic teams.

How long is the training?

Python for Mobile Forensics is a three-day, 24-hour instructor-led course, combining technical explanations, practical Python scripting labs and case-inspired exercises.

What training formats are available?

The course is available as Live Online instructor-led training and Classroom Training for groups by request. Both formats include practical scripting exercises. An On-Demand version is planned but is not yet available.

Can the course be arranged for our team?

Yes. We can discuss private Live Online sessions or Classroom Training for your team. Contact us with your expected participant numbers, preferred dates and any relevant training requirements so we can discuss a suitable arrangement.

What do I need to prepare before the course?

You should be comfortable working with files and have some familiarity with basic Python or scripting concepts. The course includes practical coding exercises. Please confirm the required software, environment and any setup instructions with Elusive Data before your session.

Do I receive a certificate and CPE credits?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, you receive an Elusive Data Certificate of Completion documenting 24 CPE credits for your professional development record.

Is an On-Demand version available?

Not yet. The On-Demand version of Python for Mobile Forensics is planned for a future release. You can currently contact us about Live Online or Classroom Training .

Trusted by investigators worldwide

Philip C. Digital Forensic Examiner

I knew some basic Python going in, but wasn't very confident with it. By the end of the course I felt much more comfortable writing scripts and figuring things out on my own. Really good course.

David S. Incident Response & Forensics Analyst

Really enjoyed this course. I've used Python a little before, but never really knew how to apply it to my forensic work. The exercises were great, and I came away with a much better understanding of how to build my own scripts.

 Matt H. Digital Forensics Analyst

Excellent course. Lots of hands-on work, good examples and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. James really knows his stuff and makes the training enjoyable.

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