Forensic Analysis – Hard Disk, Mobile, System & Network
Forensic analysis in the context of hard disks, mobile devices, systems, and networks is the process of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence related to criminal activities or security incidents. This type of analysis is crucial for law enforcement, legal professionals, corporate security teams, and cybersecurity experts to investigate cybercrimes, corporate fraud, and data breaches.
Types of Forensic Analysis:
1. Hard Disk Forensic Analysis
Purpose: Examines the contents of a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) to recover, analyze, and preserve evidence such as documents, emails, images, and deleted files.
Key Techniques:
Data Recovery – Recover deleted or corrupted files using specialized software.
File System Analysis – Examine the file system to trace the history of file creation, modification, or deletion.
Disk Imaging – Create an exact duplicate of the disk for analysis, preserving original evidence.
Metadata Analysis – Investigates file properties, creation dates, and author information for forensic purposes.
Data Carving – Recover fragmented or partially deleted data by identifying file signatures.
Tools:
FTK Imager
EnCase Forensic
X1 Social Discovery
Autopsy
Recuva
2. Mobile Forensic Analysis
Purpose: Involves extracting and analyzing data from mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, to uncover digital evidence related to texts, calls, app data, GPS data, and more.
Key Techniques:
Physical Extraction – Extracts data directly from the mobile device’s hardware, including locked or encrypted devices.
Logical Extraction – Pulls data from the device’s file system, such as contacts, messages, emails, and app data.
Chip-Off Forensics – Involves removing the device’s memory chip to extract data in case of severe damage.
SIM Card Analysis – Examines SIM card data to recover contact information and call records.
GPS & Location Data – Analyzes location history and tracking data stored on the device.
Tools:
Cellebrite UFED
Oxygen Forensics
XRY
Magnet AXIOM
Paraben Device Seizure
3. System Forensic Analysis
Purpose: Investigates a computer system (desktop or laptop) to uncover activities such as unauthorized access, malware infections, insider threats, or data theft.
Key Techniques:
Log File Analysis – Analyzes system logs to track user activities, application use, and error messages.
Registry Forensics – Examines Windows registry data to uncover deleted files, user activity, and system settings.
Memory Analysis – Analyzes volatile memory (RAM) for running processes, open files, and potentially malicious activity.
Rootkit Detection – Detects hidden software that can manipulate or hide processes on the system.
Timeline Analysis – Creates a timeline of user activities, system events, and file access to reconstruct events.
Tools:
Autopsy
Caine
Volatility
X1 Search
Wireshark (for network traffic)
4. Network Forensic Analysis
Purpose: Involves monitoring and analyzing network traffic to detect malicious activity, breaches, or unauthorized data transfer. This is crucial for investigating cyberattacks, data exfiltration, and communication patterns.
Key Techniques:
Packet Sniffing – Capturing network packets to analyze the data being transmitted across networks.
Traffic Analysis – Monitoring inbound and outbound traffic for abnormal patterns such as large data transfers or unauthorized access attempts.
Log File Correlation – Correlating data from network logs, firewall logs, and IDS/IPS logs to identify and trace an attack.
Intrusion Detection – Identifying signs of attempted intrusion, such as port scanning, unauthorized access, or suspicious traffic.
VPN & Proxy Analysis – Detecting and analyzing encrypted or masked network traffic from VPNs or proxies used to conceal the identity of attackers.
Tools:
Wireshark
NetworkMiner
Bro/Zeek
SolarWinds
Splunk (for log analysis)
Snort
Forensic Process Workflow:
Evidence Collection
Secure the device or media and prevent tampering (e.g., hard drive, mobile device, network logs).
Use write-blockers when accessing the data to ensure no modifications to the original evidence.
Data Preservation
Create a bit-by-bit copy (image) of the storage device for analysis to preserve the original data’s integrity.
Analysis
Examine the extracted data using forensic software tools to identify files, artifacts, and patterns of interest related to the case.
Reporting
Create detailed reports that document the analysis process, findings, and conclusions, often including timelines and visual representations (graphs, charts, etc.).
Presentation of Evidence
Present findings in a legally admissible format for use in court, focusing on the chain of custody and methodology used in the analysis.
Importance of Forensic Analysis:
Cybercrime Investigations – Helps in identifying hackers, cybercriminals, and their activities.
Data Breach Investigations – Analyzes system and network logs to track the source and impact of data breaches.
Compliance & Regulatory Investigations – Ensures businesses comply with data protection laws and investigates potential violations.
Corporate Fraud Investigations – Tracks employee misconduct, intellectual property theft, or insider threats.
Intellectual Property Protection – Investigates the unauthorized access or theft of business-critical intellectual property.
