MOBILedit Forensic License Types

MOBILedit Forensic offers multiple licensing options to support different operational environments, from fully online workstations to secure, air-gapped forensic labs.

All licenses are managed via the User Portal, where you can:

• Download the software (current and previous versions)

• Access update packages

• Download beta versions (if registered)

Overview of License Types

• Software Activation (Online License)

• USB Dongle License

• Network License

• Network License with Check-out

Each option provides the same core functionality, but differs in how the license is stored, activated, and used across systems.

Software Activation (Online License)

A license tied to a specific workstation and activated over the internet.

How it works:

• Activated online using a license key

• Requires internet access for activation and updates

• Can be used offline after activation

Best suited for:

• Individual investigators

• Workstations with regular internet access

• Non-restricted environments

Advantages:

• Simple setup and activation

• No additional hardware required

Considerations:

• Requires reactivation if moved to another machine

• Less flexible for shared environments

USB Dongle License

A portable license stored on a physical USB dongle.

How it works:

• License is stored on the dongle

• Requires initial internet activation (one-time)

• Can be used fully offline after activation

• License moves with the dongle between machines

Best suited for:

• Field investigators

• Secure or air-gapped environments

• Users working across multiple machines

Advantages:

• Fully portable

• No need for internet after initial setup

• Ideal for controlled forensic environments

Considerations:

• Physical device must be managed and secured

• Risk of loss or damage

Network License

A shared license managed via a local license server.

How it works:

• License is stored on a dongle connected to a server

• Multiple users can connect over the local network

• Limited by the number of concurrent sessions

Best suited for:

• Teams or laboratories

• Centralised forensic environments

• Organisations with multiple investigators

Advantages:

• Efficient sharing of licenses

• Centralised control

• No need for individual activation per machine

Considerations:

• Requires local network access

• Server must be available for use

Network License with Check-out

An extension of the network license allowing temporary offline use.

How it works:

• Users “check out” a license from the server

• License is temporarily assigned to a workstation

• Can be used offline for a defined period

• Automatically returns to the pool after expiry

Best suited for:

• Teams with both lab and field operations

• Investigators needing temporary offline access

• Hybrid working environments

Advantages:

• Combines flexibility of dongle with central control

• Supports offline work without permanent license allocation

Considerations:

• Requires planning and license management

• License unavailable to others while checked out

Choosing the Right License Type

Single user, office-based

→ Software Activation

Single user, multiple machines or field work

→ USB Dongle

Team working in a shared lab environment

→ Network License

Team with both lab and field requirements

→ Network License with Check-out

Quick Comparison

Important Notes

• All license types provide access to the same software editions (Standard, PRO, ULTRA)

• Updates and installation packages are always available via the User Portal

• Initial activation (for dongle and network licenses) requires internet access