What is a mobile cloud account?¶

A mobile cloud account connects the handset to backup, synchronisation, app distribution, security and remote device services beyond its local storage.

It is a separate evidence source¶

Apple, Google or manufacturer accounts may hold backups, photos, contacts, trusted devices, security events and activity from several devices. They can also locate, lock or erase a handset.

Account holder and handset user may differ¶

Family, workplace and shared devices can use another person's account, and trusted sessions may survive sale or loss. Record provider account IDs, recovery details and linked devices without changing credentials or signing out. Map device and individual app accounts separately.