Data Risk Management
Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery: Revolutionizing Mobile Data Collection
February 18, 2025
Mobile devices are integral to our personal lives and an essential part of our professional routines. With remote workers increasingly relying on their mobile phones for daily tasks and communication, these devices have become a crucial source of data for digital forensic investigations and e-discovery for civil litigation. But accessing mobile data remotely has traditionally been a logistical nightmare—until now.
Exterro’s Remote Mobile Discovery solution is poised to transform the way organizations collect, investigate, and review data from mobile devices. Combining ease of use, advanced technology, and seamless integration, it’s the game-changer legal, IT, and forensic professionals have been waiting for.
This blog will uncover why Exterro's Remote Mobile Discovery is not just another tool, but a groundbreaking solution that simplifies and enhances remote mobile data collection for investigations.
The Need for Remote Mobile Data Collection
Imagine launching an investigation with incomplete data just because collecting information from a mobile device was too complicated, time-consuming, or intrusive. This is a reality many organizations currently face. Remote workers frequently use their mobile devices for email, messaging, and project collaboration, leaving critical breadcrumbs of data behind.
Unfortunately, existing mobile data collection methods often disrupt workflows and increase operational costs. Here's why organizations urgently need a more effective solution to these issues:
- Remote work proliferation means custodians (employees under investigation) are often inaccessible for in-person collection.
- Phones store high-value data, particularly from chat apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Teams.
- Existing solutions rely on physical cables or intrusive software agents, creating unnecessary friction and increasing the risk of error or data deletion.
- Alternatively, IT personnel must travel to custodians or custodians must travel to centralized offices, leading to delays and further costs.
- Multiple tools and platforms don’t integrate well, forcing teams to work across fragmented systems for data review and reporting.
These outdated methods are no longer sustainable in today’s fast-paced, remote-friendly work environments. Organizations need a solution that is seamless, cost-efficient, and scalable. The stakes are high—whether it’s an internal HR investigation, compliance audit, or e-discovery for a legal case. Without access to complete and accurate data, organizations face legal, reputational, and operational risks. Enter Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery.
How Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery Works
Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery eliminates the pain points of traditional processes with innovative, patent-pending technology that simplifies mobile data collection.
Here’s how it works at a high level:
- One-time pairing with a computer. The mobile device pairs securely with a laptop (via wired connection) just once. After this, future collections can occur wirelessly using the same trusted pairing.
- Wireless or wired collection. Teams can collect data remotely through Wi-Fi or wired networks with no cables required for ongoing collections. But if you prefer to use a cable, physical connection to the computer speeds up the process.
- No installed agent. Unlike competitors, Exterro's solution doesn’t require intrusive installation on mobile devices, preserving privacy and minimizing disruptions.
- Centralized review. Collected mobile data integrates directly into Exterro’s FTK Suite or E-Discovery Data Management (EDDM) module, allowing seamless review alongside other digital evidence sources.
- Targeted or full collections. Conduct a full collection of the data on the mobile device or target specific applications, such as chat apps, based on investigation needs.
This process is simple yet powerful. By removing barriers, Exterro empowers teams to collect critical data faster, more securely, and with fewer resources.
Why Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery Stands Out
Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery isn’t just an incremental improvement—it’s a reinvention of mobile data collection for investigations. Here are its key features and benefits:
1. No Agent Installation
Avoid the hassle of installing (and later removing) intrusive software agents from mobile devices. Exterro’s solution ensures user privacy and an unobtrusive experience, making it ideal for both corporate-issued and personal devices. Many solutions require agents, increasing complexity of the process and friction.
2. Seamless Operation
Remote collection is initiated with minimal intervention. Collections can run continuously or incrementally over Wi-Fi or wired connections without disrupting the custodian’s workflow.
Example Use Case: Internal investigations teams investigating a potential case of data theft can collect employee phone data immediately, without causing downtime.
3. Saves Money
No need for expensive shipping, IT travel, or extended employee downtime. All these factors increase the cost of collections, and often inhibit organizations from conducting them in the first place.
4. Reduces IT Overhead
With Exterro’s all-in-one platform, you can manage data collection and review from mobile devices, computers, and cloud sources within the same system. Say goodbye to juggling multiple tools!
Integration Advantage: Unlike competitors requiring third-party tools for integration, Exterro provides end-to-end processing within one platform.
5. Targeted Data Preview and Collection
Preview and filter data sources for targeted collections—or collect a full logical backup when needed. Chat apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Teams are supported out of the box, with more being added regularly.
Example Use Case: Legal teams can preview WhatsApp messages for relevance, saving time and resources during e-discovery.
6. Enterprise IT Compatibility
Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery supports both on-premises and SaaS deployment models, ensuring seamless integration within enterprise IT infrastructures.
Organizations retain complete control over their data without sacrificing scalability.
7. Enterprise-grade Security
With a Trust Establishment Protocol and encrypted data transfers, Exterro adheres to rigorous security standards. This makes it a compliant and reliable choice for industries like finance, healthcare, and government.
The Future of Corporate Investigations Starts Here
Exterro Remote Mobile Discovery will be publicly available at the end of March 2025, but there’s no need to wait to explore its capabilities. Discover how this revolutionary solution can transform mobile data collection, saving your organization time, money, and frustration.
Learn More or Book a Demo Today!
Visit our product page or contact the Exterro team to book a demo and see how Remote Mobile Discovery can streamline your investigative workflows.