Specialized DFIR: Windows Event Log Forensics from Pluralsight

Analyzing Windows event logs provides key information on system activities during an investigation. This course will teach you what events to focus on during your analysis and how to quickly obtain information.

Windows event logs contain lots of information that assist investigations in determining what happened on a system. However, some of this information is hidden within the multitude of event logs on a system. In this course, Specialized DFIR: Windows Event Log Forensics, you’ll learn how to focus your event log investigation to find signs of compromise and suspicious activities. First, you’ll explore how to quickly go through event logs and find key events to focus on. Next, you’ll discover what logs and events provide different pieces of information. Finally, you’ll learn how to combine all of this information to have a comprehensive view of the malicious activities that took place on a compromised system. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to perform event log forensics on a Windows system.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Windows Event Logs Concepts

Triage Analysis of Windows Event Logs

Windows Security Events

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Windows event logs, which is a standard tool for investigating suspicious activity

Taught by Tyler Hudak, who is recognized for their work in security and forensics

Specifically focused on specialized forensics, identifying compromise, and malicious activities

Teaches how to analyze and interpret a wide range of Windows Security Events present in event logs

May not be appropriate for beginners as it assumes familiarity with Windows event logs

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Specialized DFIR: Windows Event Log Forensics with these activities:

Organize Your Course Materials

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Keeping your materials organized will assist your learning process.

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Create a dedicated folder for course materials
File notes, assignments, and quizzes

Create a Cheat Sheet of Common Windows Event Logs

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Creating a cheat sheet will help you internalize the different types of Windows Event Logs and their significance in forensic analysis.

Browse courses on Windows Event Logs

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Identify common event logs
Summarize their purpose and significance

Review 'Windows Forensic Analysis Cookbook'

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This book provides practical recipes for forensic analysis of Windows systems, which will supplement your understanding of Windows Event Log forensics techniques.

View The Art of Memory Forensics: Detecting Malware... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 5: Analyzing Windows Event Logs
Review sample recipes

Four other activities

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Review Windows Event Logs Practice

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Reviewing Windows Event Logs will help you identify patterns, behaviors, and anomalies, thereby increasing your understanding of how to use Windows Event Logs for forensic analysis.

Browse courses on Windows Event Logs

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Organize logs by date and time
Identify key events
Analyze events for suspicious activities

Analyze Event Logs with a Peer

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Collaborating with a peer will allow you to share insights, ask questions, and enhance your understanding of Windows Event Log forensics.

Browse courses on Windows Event Logs

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Find a peer with similar experience
Select a set of event logs to analyze
Discuss your findings

Follow a Tutorial on Advanced Windows Event Log Analysis

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Following a guided tutorial will expose you to advanced techniques and best practices for analyzing Windows Event Logs.

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Find a comprehensive tutorial
Complete the tutorial exercises
Apply the techniques to your own analysis

Investigate a Security Incident Using Windows Event Logs

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Conducting a full-scale investigation will help you apply your knowledge of Windows Event Log forensics and gain valuable practical experience.

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Gather event logs from a compromised system
Analyze the logs for suspicious activities
Write a report summarizing your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Specialized DFIR: Windows Event Log Forensics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Security Analyst

For those considering a career as a Computer Security Analyst, this course can be a valuable resource. In this role, you would be responsible for protecting computer systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The knowledge you would gain from this course, such as what logs and events provide different pieces of information, would be helpful in understanding the security risks and vulnerabilities of computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Security Analyst

Incident Responder

For those interested in a career as an Incident Responder, this course may be useful. In this role, you would be responsible for responding to and handling security incidents. The skills you would develop in this course, such as how to combine all of this information to have a comprehensive view of the malicious activities that took place on a compromised system, would be valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Penetration Tester

For those interested in a career as a Penetration Tester, this course may be useful. In this role, you would be responsible for testing the security of computer systems and networks. The skills you would develop in this course, such as how to perform event log forensics on a Windows system, would be valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Consultant

This course can also be helpful for those considering a career as a Security Consultant. In this role, you would be responsible for providing security advice and guidance to organizations. The knowledge you would gain from this course, such as what logs and events provide different pieces of information, would be valuable in understanding the security risks and vulnerabilities of computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Information Security Manager

This course can also be beneficial for those interested in becoming an Information Security Manager. As an Information Security Manager, you would be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures, as well as managing the organization's security program. The skills you would develop in this course, such as how to perform event log forensics on a Windows system, would be valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Chief Information Security Officer

This course can also be helpful for those considering a career as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). In this role, you would be responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information and technology assets. The skills you would gain from this course, such as how to combine all of this information to have a comprehensive view of the malicious activities that took place on a compromised system, would be valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer

Systems Administrator

This course can also be helpful for those interested in a career as a Systems Administrator. In this role, you would be responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. The knowledge you would gain from this course, such as what logs and events provide different pieces of information, would be valuable in understanding the security risks and vulnerabilities of computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Cybersecurity Engineer

For those interested in a career as a Cybersecurity Engineer, this course may be useful. In this role, you would be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity solutions. The knowledge you would gain from this course, such as what logs and events provide different pieces of information, would be valuable in understanding the security risks and vulnerabilities of computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Malware Analyst

This course can also be helpful for those considering a career as a Malware Analyst. In this role, you would be responsible for analyzing malware to identify its capabilities and how to protect against it. The knowledge you would gain from this course, such as what logs and events provide different pieces of information, would be valuable in understanding the behavior of malware.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Network Administrator

For those considering a career as a Network Administrator, this course can be a useful resource. In this role, you would be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. The skills you would learn in this course, such as how to quickly go through event logs and find key events to focus on, would be valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Data Analyst

For those considering a career as a Data Analyst, this course can be a useful resource. In this role, you would be responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. The skills you would learn in this course, such as how to perform event log forensics on a Windows system, would be valuable in understanding and analyzing large datasets.

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IT Auditor

For those interested in a career as an IT Auditor, this course may be useful. In this role, you would be responsible for examining an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are compliant with regulations and standards. The skills you would gain from this course, such as how to quickly go through event logs and find key events to focus on, would be valuable in this role.

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Forensic Computer Analyst

This course may be useful for those looking to pursue a career as a Forensic Computer Analyst. Event logs are often an important source of evidence in both civil and criminal investigations. As a Forensic Computer Analyst, you would analyze computer systems to identify evidence, interpret data, and produce reports. The skills you would learn in this course, such as how to quickly go through event logs and find key events to focus on, would be valuable in this role.

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IT Support Specialist

This course may also be helpful for those interested in a career as an IT Support Specialist. In this role, you would be responsible for providing technical support to users. The knowledge you would gain from this course, such as what logs and events provide different pieces of information, would be valuable in understanding the issues that users may be experiencing.

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Data Scientist

This course may be useful for those looking to pursue a career as a Data Scientist. Event logs can be a valuable source of data for data scientists, who use data to identify patterns and trends. As a Data Scientist, you would use your skills in statistics, machine learning, and data analysis to solve business problems. The skills you would learn in this course, such as how to quickly go through event logs and find key events to focus on, would be valuable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist