Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and intelligence agents face the challenge of tracking suspects who use encrypted communication apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. Tools like PCAP (Packet Capture) and IPDR (Internet Protocol Detail Record) offer crucial insights into suspect behaviours and usage patterns, even when content is encrypted. Here's how these tools help build comprehensive patterns of life for suspects.
Understanding PCAP and IPDR
- PCAP captures raw network traffic data, including packet headers and payloads. It provides detailed insights into communication flows, allowing analysts to identify specific applications being used.
- IPDR logs metadata from internet-based communications, such as IP addresses, timestamps, session durations, and data volumes. It offers a high-level view of digital interactions without revealing message content.
Building Patterns of Life
- Identifying Communication Patterns
Both PCAP and IPDR can reveal who a suspect communicates with, how often, and for how long. This helps map out social networks and identify key contacts within criminal organisations.
- Detecting Encrypted App Usage
While the content of messages on apps like WhatsApp or Signal is encrypted, PCAP can identify traffic patterns specific to these applications by analysing packet sizes and timing intervals. IPDR complements this by logging metadata such as session start/end times and data volumes.
- Monitoring Social Media Interactions
IPDR can track interactions on platforms like Facebook and Twitter by capturing metadata about login times, session durations, and data exchanged. This helps build a timeline of a suspect's online presence and activities.
- Correlating Multiple Data Sources
By combining PCAP data with IPDR logs, investigators can correlate different internet activities to construct a comprehensive view of a suspect's daily routines and behaviours. This holistic approach aids in understanding the suspect's lifestyle and potential criminal activities.
Case Study: Real-World Application
In the investigation of the Udaipur murder case, IPDR analysis was used to track the internet activities of suspects involved in radicalisation efforts. By examining call details and social media interactions, authorities could uncover connections to extremist groups and identify key moments leading up to the crime. Link
Conclusion
PCAP and IPDR are invaluable tools for building detailed patterns of life for suspects using encrypted communication apps. By providing insights into communication habits and online behaviours, these tools enable LEAs and intelligence agents to anticipate potential threats and respond effectively to criminal activities. As technology continues to evolve, leveraging these data sources will be essential for maintaining situational awareness in complex investigations