Scientists develop indigenous ‘Chip-Off’ technique to retrieve encrypted data

The technique, developed by scientists Akhlesh Kumar, Bhushan Ghode and Khevna Maniar at CFSL-36, was published along with a case study in the International Journal of Engineering Science and Research Technology (IJESRT).

Using the technique, data has been retrieved from a smart cell phone which had been locked with the finger prints of a person who had died by suicide. (Unsplash)

In a breakthrough in retrieving encrypted data from locked and severely damaged smart cell phones, the forensic scientists at Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Sector 36, have developed an indigenous chip-off technique for helping the investigative agencies to produce credible evidences against criminals in the trial courts.

The technique, developed by scientists Akhlesh Kumar, Bhushan Ghode and Khevna Maniar at CFSL-36, was published along with a case study in the International Journal of Engineering Science and Research Technology (IJESRT).

Using the technique, data has been retrieved from a smart cell phone which had been locked with the finger prints of a person who had died by suicide.

The technique is divided in six parts including opening the device using heat and air combination to remove its back and front covers, battery screws, other connections, etc. to retrieve the motherboard, the NAND flash memory is located on the retrieved motherboard/circuit board, using appropriate heat (disordering) and chemicals (adhesive removal), the memory chip is physically removed. The removed chip is cleaned and/or reballed if necessary and the forensic image/dump of the chip is then acquired by using an imaging software and an adapter connecting it to the PC. The further analysis is conducted with the standard softwares at the laboratory.

Dr SK Jain, Director CFSL-36, said, “After CFSL, Hyderabad, CFSL-36, Chandigarh, is becoming the second laboratory in the country for retrieving data from the locked and damaged smart cell phones in India. The technique was developed in the laboratory in December 2020. Now, we have started using the technique here. Indeed, the technique is being used in developed countries like the US for a long time, but these countries do not share the technology with us. However, the limitations of this method are observed when the mobile device received are of higher Android or IOS versions including Apple iphones. The only data extracted from such mobile devices by chip-off method are found in an encrypted condition and methods of decryption are still under development. The technique can be used only with the due permission of the competent court.”

Difficulties in Chip-off technique

Locating NAND flash memory of the exhibit from its motherboard.
Setting optimum hot airgun temperature so that chip can be plucked easily.
Cleaning of the chip after successfully disordering it from its motherboard.
Locating pinpoints for reading the chip and choosing suitable adapters for it.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram