Week 14 Exploring Forensic Analysis (PDF)

Exploring forensic analysis and steps in forensic analysis The rise of cybercrime in recent years has underscored the critical need to monitor and investigate malicious online activities. Safeguarding national security, public safety, law enforcement, and government operations, as well as protecting...

Exploring forensic analysis and steps in forensic analysis The rise of cybercrime in recent years has underscored the critical need to monitor and investigate malicious online activities. Safeguarding national security, public safety, law enforcement, and government operations, as well as protecting individual citizens, has become a paramount concern. Consequently, the field of computer forensics is experiencing significant growth, driven by the recognition of the invaluable contributions that IT professionals can make in addressing these evolving challenges by legal entities and law enforcement agencies. 1. What is Forensic Analysis Forensic analysis is a comprehensive process involving the meticulous detection, investigation, and documentation of the causes, progression, and consequences of a security incident or violation against state and organizational laws. This method is frequently employed to gather evidence for legal proceedings, particularly in criminal investigations. Forensic analysis encompasses a diverse set of investigative techniques and technologies. As a subset of digital forensics, forensic data analysis specifically focuses on examining structured data, often utilizing statistical modeling to unveil fraudulent activities. The crucial aspect here is the emphasis on structured data, which pertains to information within computer application systems and their integrated databases, whether housed on-premises or within cloud-based services. This distinction sets forensic data analysis apart from other forms of forensic analysis, which typically gather information from communication devices and office applications. 2. The Steps for Conducting Forensic Analysis By monitoring digital activities, investigators can establish connections between digital information and physical evidence, enabling the anticipation and prevention of planned attacks and criminal activities. There are five crucial components in conducting a comprehensive forensic analysis, all of which contribute to the success of an investigation.  Developing Policy and Procedures Whether dealing with criminal conspiracies, cyber activities, or the intent to commit a crime, forensic evidence is overly sensitive. Cybersecurity experts acknowledge its value and recognize the need to manage and protect it meticulously. To address this, strict policies and procedures are essential for all aspects of forensic analysis. This includes guidelines on preparing systems for evidence retrieval, secure storage of evidence, authorization processes for forensic investigators, and documentation protocols. Assessing the Evidence The second key step involves assessing potential evidence in a cybercrime. This includes categorizing cybercrime, such as identity theft, social engineering, or phishing. Investigators must determine the integrity and source of the data before considering it as evidence. Acquiring Evidence This step requires the development of a detailed plan to acquire evidence. All information must be recorded, preserved, and documented before, during, and after acquisition. Preserving the integrity of potential evidence is paramount, and guidelines may include using controlled boot discs, physically removing storage devices, and taking necessary steps to copy and transfer evidence to the forensic investigation team. Thorough documentation and authentication are critical, especially in a court case. Examining the Evidence Procedures for retrieving, copying, and storing evidence within the appropriate database are crucial for examining potential evidence. Various approaches and methods, such as analysis software to search for specific file types or keywords, and recovering deleted files, should be employed. Analysing data with timestamps, encrypted or hidden files, and examining file names for creation and transfer dates are essential aspects of this step.  Documenting and Reporting Forensic investigators need to maintain records of software and hardware specifications and document all methods used in the investigation. This includes testing system functionality, and details of copying, retrieving, and storing data. Documentation and reporting not only highlight how user integrity was preserved but also ensure adherence by all involved parties. 3. Tools for Forensic Analysis Whether your forensic analysis needs involve investigating unauthorized server access, human resource cases, or high-profile data breaches, a range of open-source digital forensic tools is available to assist with memory forensic analysis, forensic image exploration, hard drive analysis, and mobile forensics. These tools empower investigators to extract in-depth information about various aspects of an infrastructure. Here are some noteworthy tools: Autopsy: An open-source GUI-based tool widely used worldwide, Autopsy is instrumental in analysing smartphones and hard drives. It provides valuable insights into computer activities, making it a versatile tool for investigations. Wireshark: Serving as a network capture and analyser software tool, Wireshark allows users to observe and analyse network activities. It is a valuable resource for understanding what transpires within a network. Encrypted Disk Detector: This tool is designed to check encrypted physical drives and offers support for BitLocker, TrueCrypt, and Safeboot. Encrypted Disk Detector proves valuable in identifying and assessing encrypted drives during forensic examinations. Magnet RAM Capture: Specifically utilized for capturing the physical memory of a computer, Magnet RAM Capture enables the analysis of memory artifacts. This tool is instrumental in uncovering crucial information stored in a computer's volatile memory. Network Miner: Serving as a network forensic analyser compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X, Network Miner is adept at detecting operating systems, hostnames, open ports, and sessions. It achieves this through the  analysis of PCAP files or by packet sniffing, making it a versatile tool for network-related investigations. These open-source digital forensic tools collectively contribute to a comprehensive and efficient forensic analysis process, aiding investigators in uncovering critical information across various scenarios. 4. Importance of Forensic Analysis for the Security of Your Infrastructure Understanding the significance of forensic analysis involves recognizing the advantages it brings to the security of your infrastructure. Preventing Hackers: Digital forensics has enabled cybersecurity companies to develop technologies that thwart hackers from gaining unauthorized access to websites, networks, or devices. By understanding the patterns and methods employed by cybercriminals to steal or exploit data, cybersecurity software firms can safeguard sensitive information and conduct network scans to prevent external entities from unauthorized access. Preventing Malware: A major benefit arising from digital forensics is the development of antimalware software. Forensic analysis plays a pivotal role in identifying how viruses infiltrate and behave within a network infrastructure. The resultant software can effectively detect and remove malware and spyware, mitigating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Retrieving Deleted Information: In digital investigations, the recovery of deleted information is crucial, especially in cases of data breaches or identity theft. Digital forensics employs sophisticated tools and techniques to recover information, presenting it in legal proceedings or other situations where data recovery is essential. Identifying Vulnerabilities: Forensic analysis techniques unveil hidden vulnerabilities that may not be readily apparent, making it easier for hackers to exploit them. By highlighting weak areas in infrastructure, applications, or websites, forensic analysis provides valuable information. Security software can then be enhanced based on this information to fortify defences. The process of performing digital forensics involves several fundamental phases: Collection o Identifying, labelling, recording, and acquiring data from potential sources while adhering to procedures that preserve data integrity. Examination o Forensically processing collected data using a blend of automated and manual methods. o Assessing and extracting data of specific interest while maintaining the integrity of the data. Analysis o Analysing the results of the examination using legally justifiable methods and techniques. o Deriving useful information that addresses the questions prompting the collection and examination. Reporting o Presenting the results of the analysis, including a description of the actions taken. o Explaining the selection of tools and procedures, identifying further actions needed (e.g., additional forensic examination, securing vulnerabilities, improving security controls), and providing recommendations for enhancing policies, procedures, tools, and other aspects of the forensic process. 6. Forensic tools and techniques Forensic tools and techniques extend their utility beyond investigative purposes and find application in various tasks, including: Operational Troubleshooting: Many forensic tools and techniques prove valuable in troubleshooting operational issues. For instance, they can be employed to determine the virtual and physical location of a host, aiding in resolving operational challenges. Log Monitoring: Various tools and techniques contribute to effective log monitoring, encompassing the analysis of log entries and correlation of information across multiple systems. This functionality assists in incident  handling, identifying policy violations, conducting audits, and supporting other related efforts. Data Recovery: A multitude of tools are available for recovering lost data from systems, encompassing data accidentally or intentionally deleted or otherwise modified. The extent of data recovery varies case by case, providing flexibility in addressing different scenarios. Data Acquisition: Forensic tools are utilized by some organizations to acquire data from hosts undergoing redeployment or retirement. For instance, when a user departs from an organization, data from their workstation can be acquired and stored for potential future needs. Subsequently, the workstation's media can be sanitized to remove the original user's data entirely. Due Diligence/Regulatory Compliance: Considering existing and emerging regulations, many organizations are obligated to safeguard sensitive information and maintain specific records for audit purposes. Additionally, in situations where protected information is exposed to external entities, organizations may be required to notify relevant agencies or affected individuals. Forensic tools play a crucial role in assisting organizations in exercising due diligence and complying with these regulatory requirements. 7. Forensic analysis in the field of accounting The accounting field encompasses various specializations, with auditing and forensic accounting being among the most common. While forensic accounting and auditing may appear similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes. Forensic accountants focus on uncovering fraudulent activities within organizations, whereas auditors ensure companies comply with federal regulations and organizational policies. Companies seeking accounting assistance should be aware of these differences. Forensic accounting integrates accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to examine the finances of individuals or businesses. The analysis conducted by forensic accountants is tailored for use in legal proceedings. These professionals are adept at going beyond the numbers, considering the practical business aspects of a situation. Forensic accounting is particularly valuable in cases involving fraud and embezzlement, providing a detailed understanding of financial crimes for presentation in court. Key Takeaways: Forensic accounting combines accounting and investigative techniques to unearth financial crimes. A primary function of forensic accounting is to elucidate the nature of financial crimes in legal proceedings. Forensic accounting involves tracing funds, identifying assets, recovering assets, and conducting due diligence reviews. The insurance industry employs forensic accounting to establish damages resulting from claims. 7.1 Understanding Forensic Accounting Forensic accountants play a crucial role in analysing, interpreting, and summarizing intricate financial and business matters. They can find employment in various sectors, including insurance companies, banks, police forces, government agencies, or public accounting firms. In their capacity, forensic accountants gather financial evidence, create computer applications for managing collected information, and present their findings through reports or presentations. In addition to providing testimony in court, a forensic accountant may be tasked with preparing visual aids to bolster trial evidence. When it comes to business investigations, the scope of forensic accounting encompasses activities such as tracing funds, identifying assets, recovering assets, and conducting due diligence reviews. Given their substantial involvement in legal issues and familiarity with the judicial system, forensic accountants may opt for additional training in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This training enhances their ability to navigate legal complexities effectively. 7.2 Forensic Accounting for Litigation Support Forensic accounting finds application in litigation scenarios where the quantification of damages becomes essential. Parties engaged in legal disputes leverage these quantifications to facilitate the resolution of conflicts through settlements or court decisions. This need may arise in various contexts, such as compensation and benefit disputes. If the dispute progresses to a court decision, a forensic accountant may be engaged as an expert witness, providing specialized insights and expertise to assist the court in making informed judgments. 7.3 Forensic Accounting for Criminal Investigation Forensic accounting serves a critical role in determining the occurrence of a crime and evaluating the likelihood of criminal intent. This application extends to various crimes, including but not limited to employee theft, securities fraud, falsification of financial statement information, identity theft, and insurance fraud. In complex and high-profile financial crimes, forensic accounting is frequently enlisted to unravel intricate details and provide expert analysis. Additionally, forensic accountants play a significant role in diverse civil matters. They may contribute their expertise in searching for concealed assets in divorce cases. Furthermore, their services extend to addressing issues such as breach of contracts, tort claims, disputes related to company acquisitions, breaches of warranty, and disagreements in business valuations. The versatility of forensic accounting allows it to be a valuable resource in a wide range of legal and financial contexts. 7.4 Forensic Accounting in the Insurance Industry Forensic accounting is a standard practice within the insurance industry, often called upon to quantify economic damages resulting from various incidents such as vehicle accidents, cases of medical malpractice, or other insurance claims. However, a potential concern with adopting a forensic accounting approach to insurance claims, as opposed to the traditional adjuster approach, lies in the emphasis on historical data. Unlike adjusters who consider real-time and current information, forensic accounting primarily relies on historical data, which may overlook pertinent current information that could alter the assumptions surrounding the claim. Balancing the historical context with current realities is crucial to ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the insurance claims process. 8. Summary Computer forensics involves the application of investigation and analysis techniques to collect and preserve evidence from a specific computing device in a manner suitable for presentation in a court of law. The primary objective of computer forensics is to conduct a systematic investigation, maintaining a well-documented chain of evidence, to ascertain precisely what transpired on a computing device, and to identify those responsible for it. The terms "digital forensics" and "cyber forensics" are often used interchangeably with "computer forensics." The digital forensics process begins with the collection of information while preserving its integrity. Investigators then analyse the gathered data or system to determine if any changes occurred, the nature of those changes, and who made them. It is important to note that computer forensics is not solely linked to criminal activities. The forensic process is also applied in data recovery procedures, such as retrieving data from a crashed server, a failed drive, a reformatted operating system (OS), or any other situation where a system unexpectedly ceases to function.