Computer Forensics.

First, computer forensics is a method of manipulating computer evidence to obtain information for criminal investigation. It basically consists of three parts.

Data Acquisition

 It is the safe process to get data from the original source without damaging or modifying it. However, there are several tools to do this, depending on the operating system and other details, such as the state of the evidence. But we will explain the Linux based tools.

Data Preservation:

Acquired digital evidence must be preserved in its original state using cryptographic hashing algorithms.

Data analysis:

understanding the acquired data by analyzing and extracting information from it. It has several steps of its own such as partition identification, MAC times and others.

When analyzed, the person responsible is responsible for writing a report.

Data acquisition

Incidentally, in Computer Forensics we could separate the data we need to obtain into two, volatile and non-volatile. So depending on what we’re focusing on, we’ll use different types of tools. 

Thus, if we shut down the suspect’s machine, we will use volatile data, so if possible this data should be collected before shutting down the machine. 

If the suspect installed rootkits to destroy evidence upon receiving the graceful shutdown command, there is a possibility of losing important content. 

In Computer Forensics, chain of custody is a record of how evidence was handled, for later reporting. Now, the chain of custody begins when evidence handling begins.

Before starting, we must prepare the tools: A powerful machine for the investigator.

We must first acquire the data that is most volatile as it is constantly changing. We are actually changing as we collect data, so we should try to leave as little footprint as possible. 

It is a difficult task as the normal tools we use are not an option, for example using CP will modify the access time of the original file.

The most important computer forensics tools for hackers and security professionals

Computer forensics tools are most often used by security industries to test for vulnerabilities in networks and applications. Therefore, collecting evidence to find an indicator of compromise and taking appropriate mitigation measures.

Here you can find the list of tools covering Execution Forensics analysis and responding to incidents across the Environment.

A very important branch of computer science is forensic science, which makes it easier for agencies to investigate Internet-related crimes. Unlike before, the computer has expanded to all devices related to digital data. 

Computer forensics help in crime investigations that use digital data to find the people behind a particular crime.

Developers have created many better forensic tools, and criteria for choosing the best by investigative agencies. In this sense, they are based on a number of factors, including budget, resources, and the team of experts available on the tool.

This is all very impressive, isn’t it! 

With that in mind, I think you might be interested in another article that we have here on the site about hacking websites and apps, so here’s my tip for you to check out later.

1. Digital forensics framework

Digital Forensics Framework is an open source tool that comes under the GPL license. It can be used by professionals or beginners without much trouble. 

The tool can be used for a digital chain of custody, to access remote or local devices, on Windows or Linux operating system. That is, to recover hidden or deleted files, a quick search for file metadata and various other things.

2. Open Compute Forensics Architecture

Developed by the Dutch National Police Agency, this Open Computer Forensics Architecture (OCFA) is a modular computing forensics framework. 

The main objective is to automate the digital forensics process to streamline the investigation. Hence, giving tactical investigators direct access to seized data through an easy-to-use search and navigation interface.

3. X-Ways Forensics

X-Ways Forensics is an advanced work environment for computer forensic examiners. It runs on Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8/8.1/2012/10 *32bit/64bit, standard/PE/FE. 

Out of all the above options, this tool is the most efficient to use and generally runs much faster. Thus, it finds deleted files and search results, and offers many features that others do not. 

It’s potentially more reliable, at a fraction of the cost, and has no complex hardware or database requirements. 

X-Ways Forensics is completely portable and works from a USB stick on any Windows system. Visit the website to learn more.

4. Record recognition

Registry Recon, powered by Arsenal Recon. Incidentally, it is a powerful computer forensics tool used to extract, retrieve and analyze registry data from Windows systems. 

The product’s name comes from the French word reconnaissance, the military concept of probing hostile territories for tactical information.

5. EnCase

OpenText, is the creator of EnCase®, the gold standard in forensic security. The all-in-one forensics platform provides deep 360-degree visibility across all endpoints across multiple areas of the digital forensics process. 

This tool can quickly discover evidence and potential data from various devices and also produce a report based on the evidence. EnCase has maintained its reputation as the gold standard in criminal investigations and has been named Best Computer Forensic Solution for eight consecutive years.

6. The Detective Kit

The Sleuth Kit® is a UNIX and Windows based tool that helps with computer forensics. 

It is a collection of command line tools and a C library that allows you to analyze disk images and recover files from them. However, it is used in autopsy and performs in-depth analysis of file systems.

7. Volatility

Volatility is used for incident response and malware analysis in a memory forensics framework. Using this you can extract information from running processes, network sockets, DLLs and registry hives. 

It also supports extracting information from Windows memory dump files and hibernation files. This software is freely available under GPL license.

8. Llibforensics

Libforensics is a library for developing digital forensics applications. It was developed in Python and comes with several demo tools to extract information from various types of evidence.

9. The Coroner’s Toolkit

Coroner’s Toolkit or TCT is also a good digital forensics tool. Well, it runs on various Unix-related operating systems. 

It can be used to help with computer disaster analysis and data recovery. But, it is an open source forensic toolset to perform post-mortem analysis on UNIX systems.

10. Bulk Extractor

Bulk Extractor is also an important and popular digital forensics tool. It scans disk, file or file directory images to extract useful information. 

In that sense, it ignores the file system structure, so it’s faster than other similar types of tools available. It is basically used by intelligence agencies and law enforcement in solving cyber crimes

Conclusion

In today’s connected world, everyone has to be prepared for security in the online world, especially in large enterprises.

Cyber attacks can even incapacitate the entire nation. Therefore, network protection is not an option, it is a must.

So be aware of everything that has been exposed in this article, because the best way to prevent yourself is to be aware of what is happening. 

And if you want to be part of the elite of the cybersecurity market, join us.