View source for Forensic Report: Examination Procedures (en)

==5. Digital Forensic Examination Procedures==

'''Digital forensic examination procedures''' are a series of systematic steps taken to collect, analyze, and preserve digital evidence from a device or system. The goal is to obtain relevant information for an investigation, whether criminal, civil, or internal corporate.

==5.1 Evidence Receipt==
* '''Date and Time of Receipt:''' Accurate records of when evidence is received are crucial for maintaining the chain of custody and the integrity of the evidence. 
* '''Condition of Evidence:''' Document the physical condition of the device (e.g., cracked, damaged, signs of tampering), as well as its power state (on, off).
* '''Initial Steps:'''
** '''Documentation:''' Make detailed notes of all device details, including brand, model, serial number, and included accessories.
** '''Photography:''' Take photos of the device from various angles before and after the examination. This is useful for documenting the initial condition and any changes that occur during the examination process.
** '''Video:''' Record a short video when unpacking the device to visually document the process.

==5.2 Acquisition Process==
* '''Acquisition Methods:'''
** '''Live Acquisition:''' Copying data directly from a device that is currently operational. This method is useful for capturing volatile data (easily lost) such as memory.
** '''Static Acquisition:''' Copying data from a device that has been powered off. This method is more commonly used because it does not disturb the device's condition.
** '''Disk Imaging:''' Creating a bit-by-bit copy of the entire storage medium. This is the most recommended method to maintain data integrity.
* '''Integrity Verification:'''
** '''Hash Value:''' Calculate the hash value of both the original data and its copy. Compare the two hash values to ensure that the copy made is identical to the original.
** '''Checksum:''' Calculate the checksum of the data to verify data integrity.

==5.3 Data Analysis==
* '''Types of Analysis:'''
** '''File System Analysis:''' Identifying the type of file system used, directory structure, and existing files.
** '''Network Analysis:''' Analyzing network activities previously performed by the device, including IP addresses, ports, and protocols used.
** '''Malware Analysis:''' Searching for the presence of malware, viruses, or other malicious programs.
** '''Email Analysis:''' Analyzing emails present on the device, including email content, attachments, and metadata.
** '''Web History Analysis:''' Analyzing the web browsing history previously conducted.
* '''Tools and Techniques:'''
** '''Forensic Tools:''' Utilizing various forensic software such as EnCase, FTK Imager, Autopsy, and Sleuth Kit.
** '''Scripting:''' Using programming languages like Python to perform more complex analyses.

==5.4 Documentation==
* '''Examination Report:''' Create a detailed report regarding the entire examination process, from evidence receipt to analysis results.
* '''Screenshots:''' Take screenshots of important analysis results.
* '''Log:''' Record all activities conducted during the examination process in a log file.
* '''Chain of Custody:''' Document the chain of custody of the evidence completely, including who held the evidence, when, and where.

'''Important:''' The entire examination process must be conducted according to established procedures and forensic ethical standards to maintain evidence integrity and avoid contamination.

'''Note:''' The explanation above provides an overview of digital forensic examination procedures. Actual procedures may vary depending on the type of device, operating system, and investigation objectives.

==Interesting Links==

* [[Forensic: IT]]