Case Study
Rapidly accessing Android and iOS devices
Digital forensics supervisor starts every mobile device—Android and iOS—with Magnet Graykey
The challenge
- Mobile growth and complexity
- Pressure to meet phone access deadlines
- Growing volume and variety of mobile devices
The solution
Magnet Forensics enables the Florida agency to:
- Start every Android and iOS device workflow with Graykey
- Complete extractions under tight deadlines
- Rely on responsive, expert support
The Results
Gathered time-sensitive mobile evidence
Met legal deadlines
for phone access
Provided evidence
that seals cases
The first time I saw Graykey work was almost like magic.”
Eric Haines
Digital Forensics Supervisor, Florida Agency
The challenge
Starting with mobile, handling more data
Building a strong case—from robberies to homicides—almost always starts with mobile access.
“Digital forensics used to be just focused on CSAM and desktops,” noted Eric Haines, digital forensics supervisor for a large Florida law enforcement agency. “Now, that’s a very small part—almost 95% of what we do is mobile devices.”
The biggest challenge they face? Getting into the phones to gather evidence.
“We’re competing against Apple and Samsung and the barriers they put up to protect the data inside the phones,” Haines noted.
That challenge has only grown with today’s phones—both in complexity and size. A few years ago, a 10GB phone was notable; now standard phones are pushing 100GB “On a good day,” according to Haines.
“The phones are getting tremendously larger, which means we’re spending more time on one,” he explained.
When processing and examining these larger devices, the search and added AI capabilities of Magnet Axiom come into play.
“We use, of course, Axiom for parsing the data out of our extractions. It does a good job at that, going through literally millions of artifacts, sorting that all out, and finding the 0.01% that’s important to the case.”
How Magnet
Forensics helps
Making Graykey the go-to tool
for every device
Years ago, Haines only used Magnet Graykey to access iPhones.
“Graykey is unmatched as far as
Apple goes…the first time I saw Graykey work was almost like
magic,” he recalled.
Since then, he has seen Android support within Graykey steadily grow. Now, his team starts every incoming device—iOS or Android—on Graykey.
“We’re probably at least two-thirds Apple right now,” Haines noted, “but we are seeing more Samsung and other Androids come through than we used to.”
“We always try our Androids on Graykey first…the major phones of those brands are supported on Graykey more often than not.”
Responding fast under pressure
Centering its initial workflow on Graykey supports daily operations in Haines’ lab. From simplifying workflows to improving speed
and support, benefits show up in multiple ways.
A streamlined workflow helps the team avoid delays, reduce backlog, and ensure critical evidence is secured before the clock runs out.
“As soon as we get the devices, they apply for a search warrant and within hours we process it,” Haines said. He added, “Just yesterday, I had two phones come in. I had them both done by the end of the day.”
Gaining reliable tech support
and partnership
When Magnet acquired Graykey, Haines worried that support might suffer with a larger company. Instead, he’s seen it improve.
“I don’t have to call tech support as often,” he said, “and when I do…we can get somebody on their tech chat and they can help.” When needed, the support team consults directly with engineers to get accurate answers quickly.
Haines also appreciates that Magnet listens to its users through direct support and his participation on the advisory board. Every issue brought up had been addressed or explained within the next year, he noted.
For him, it’s more than vendor support—it’s a working relationship built on responsiveness and respect for the work examiners do.
“Magnet seeks out what its customers want instead of handing it to them,” Haines said.
That kind of support translates directly into day-to-day results.
Less stress, more confidence
With Graykey working reliably across both iOS and Android, Haines and his team face fewer disruptions and less tool juggling.
“Graykey is wonderful with Android,” Haines noted. It now handles the majority of his unit’s Android needs—and he’s confident about the continued growth with Android.
“We’re confident that if it can be figured out, Graykey will figure
it out.”
Haines’ assurance extends beyond the tools Magnet provides to what he and his team can do with them, thanks to deep training.
“Magnet not only taught us how to use the products, but also the essentials of digital forensics, and it laid a great foundation for the more advanced classes,” he said.
For those starting out in the field, Haines emphasizes the importance
of staying current, seeking training, and being relentless in uncovering the truth. “Always be curious.
Always dig.”
We always try our Androids on Graykey first…the major phones of those brands are supported on Graykey more often than not.”
Eric Haines
Digital Forensics Supervisor, Florida Agency
Faster time to evidence
In the end, it’s all about getting to the truth quickly, with evidence
that holds up.
Graykey gives Haines’ team the ability to start extractions immediately
to meet investigative demands. They process phones as they arrive
and stay ahead of court deadlines.
Magnet not only taught us how to use the products, but also the essentials of digital forensics.”
Eric Haines
Digital Forensics Supervisor, Florida Agency