Computer Forensics Mini Bootcamp

Description:

This course provides an in-depth introduction to computer forensics, covering methods and tools for collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence. Topics include forensic investigation processes, evidence acquisition, data recovery, file systems, and forensic analysis of Windows, Linux, and mobile devices. The course combines theory with hands-on labs, preparing participants to conduct forensic investigations and support legal cases involving digital evidence.

Duration: 5 Days

Course Code: BDT383

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of computer forensics and digital evidence
• Apply forensic methodologies to preserve and acquire evidence
• Analyze and recover data from various file systems
• Conduct forensic investigations on Windows, Linux, and mobile devices
• Use industry-standard forensic tools to examine digital evidence
• Generate forensic reports and support legal procedures with documentation

• Basic understanding of computer systems and networks
• Familiarity with operating systems, especially Windows and Linux

• IT professionals, law enforcement personnel, forensic analysts, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone interested in learning digital forensics.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Computer Forensics

• Topics Covered:
  • Fundamentals of Computer Forensics
  • Types of Cybercrimes and Digital Evidence
  • Forensic Investigation Process and Methodology
  • Legal Considerations in Forensics
  • Chain of Custody and Evidence Handling

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Setting up a forensic workstation
  • Practicing chain of custody and evidence handling

Module 2: Evidence Acquisition and Preservation

• Topics Covered:
  • Importance of Evidence Preservation
  • Imaging Techniques and Tools (e.g., FTK Imager, EnCase)
  • Creating Forensic Copies (Bit-by-Bit Imaging)
  • Evidence Integrity and Verification (Hashing)
  • Live vs. Dead Acquisition

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Creating forensic images of hard drives
  • Verifying images with hashing algorithms
  • Live data acquisition from a running system

Module 3: File Systems and Data Recovery

• Topics Covered:
  • Overview of File Systems (FAT, NTFS, EXT, HFS+)
  • Understanding File Structures and Metadata
  • Data Recovery Techniques
  • Deleted File Recovery and Carving
  • Hidden and Encrypted Data

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Analyzing file structures in NTFS and EXT
  • Recovering deleted files using forensic tools
  • Data carving techniques to extract hidden files

Module 4: Windows Forensics

• Topics Covered:
  • Registry Analysis and Artifact Extraction
  • Windows Event Logs and System Files
  • Forensic Analysis of Windows Artifacts (prefetch, recycle bin, etc.)
  • Analyzing User Activity (recent files, browser history)
  • Memory Forensics in Windows

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Registry analysis for user activity tracking
  • Analyzing Windows event logs
  • Memory analysis to detect malicious activity

Module 5: Linux and MacOS Forensics

• Topics Covered:
  • Basics of Linux and MacOS File Systems
  • Log File Analysis in Linux and MacOS
  • User and System Activity Tracing
  • Analyzing Linux Partitions and Artifacts
  • Data Recovery and Forensics Tools for Linux and MacOS

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Analyzing log files and shell history in Linux
  • Investigating user activities and file access
  • Data recovery from Linux and MacOS systems

Module 6: Network Forensics

• Topics Covered:
  • Fundamentals of Network Forensics
  • Capturing and Analyzing Network Traffic
  • Intrusion Detection and Incident Response
  • Tools for Network Forensics (Wireshark, Tcpdump)
  • Analyzing Packet Captures (PCAP files) for Forensics

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Capturing network traffic with Wireshark
  • Analyzing packet captures for signs of intrusion
  • Identifying malicious activities in PCAP files

Module 7: Mobile Device Forensics

• Topics Covered:
  • Overview of Mobile Operating Systems (iOS, Android)
  • Mobile Forensics Tools and Techniques
  • Data Acquisition from Mobile Devices
  • Analysis of Call Logs, Messages, and App Data
  • Challenges in Mobile Forensics (encryption, cloud backups)

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Acquiring data from mobile devices
  • Analyzing call logs and messages on Android
  • Extracting app data for forensic analysis

Module 8: Forensic Reporting and Documentation

• Topics Covered:
  • Documenting Findings and Analysis
  • Writing Forensic Reports for Legal Proceedings
  • Presentation of Forensic Evidence
  • Best Practices in Reporting and Evidence Storage
  • Testifying as a Forensic Expert

• Hands-On Labs:
  • Preparing forensic reports using templates
  • Documenting findings with screenshots and summaries
  • Role-playing expert witness testimony for court preparation

Structured Labs and Case Studies

• Structured Labs:
  • Lab: Imaging and verifying a hard drive
  • Lab: File recovery and data carving
  • Lab: Registry analysis and event log analysis
  • Lab: Network traffic capture and analysis
  • Lab: Mobile device data acquisition
  • Lab: Forensic report generation

• Case Studies:
  • Real-world forensic investigation scenarios for hands-on practice
  • Analyzing and reporting on simulated cyber incidents

Training material provided: Yes (Digital format)