Windows OS Forensics from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Bits, Bytes and Endienness

This module explains the various numbering schemas used throughout computer forensics. In this module, you'll explore the numbering schemas used in computer forensics. This knowledge allows the student to interpret data at the hex and binary levels. This skill is necessary to validate forensic software tools and gives the student an understanding of where to locate the data displayed by their forensic software. This information is notably beneficial for court proceedings.

Disk Partition Schema

A look at the master boot record and the GUID partition table. This module demonstrates the difference between the master boot record and the GUID partition table. This information gives the student an understanding of where to locate both partitions and data on the drive. The forensic student learns how to interpret the master boot record and locate the volume boot record for each volume on the drive.

The FAT File System

This module explores the structure of the FAT file system. This module covers the structure and layout of the FAT file system. The student develops an understanding of how the FAT file system writes a file to a drive and deletes a file from a drive. With this knowledge, the examiner can recover deleted data or recover data from a reformatted drive.

The NTFS File System

In this module, you'll explore the details of the NTSF file system. NTSF is a crucial component of forensic examinations. This module explains how the file system organizes information and where data is located on the drive. It also covers where the metadata for the file is stored and the changes that occur at a file system level when someone deletes or creates a file.

The ex-fat File System

Take a closer look at the details of the ex-FAT file system. In this module, the student learns the structure and layout of the ex-FAT file system, how the file system tracks files, where it stores the file metadata and how to recover deleted data.

Windows Registry Forensics

Explore the complexities and challenges of Windows Registry forensics. This module covers the history and function of the Registry. It includes how to examine the live Registry, the location of the Registry files on the forensic image and how to extract files. After examining the files with forensic tools, the student can locate relevant artifacts such as USB device connection times, recently used documents, program last run times and programs set to run at startup.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines Windows file systems, including FAT32, exFAT, and the widely-used NTFS, and the way they store and handle data

Develops a strong understanding of how data is written to and deleted from a drive, as well as how to recover deleted data

Covers advanced topics like Windows Registry Forensics, allowing learners to explore the details and intricacies of this topic

Includes a strong foundation in the structure and layout of different file systems, providing learners with a deep understanding of how these systems work

Offers a solid foundation for professionals in computer forensics

Provides a comprehensive study of Windows file systems and their forensic implications

Reviews summary

Windows os forensics: positive reviews

According to students, this Windows OS Forensics course has clear explanations and engaging assignments. While the exams are difficult, students largely agree that this course is well-received and valuable for those beginning a journey in Digital Forensics.

The course provides a lot of good information.

"Improve and gain more my information about it "

"very intresting course that helped to me analyze the window deeply. Also helpful to the real life."

This course is valuable for those starting out in Digital Forensics.

"It is a well written course for those starting out in Digital Forensics such as myself."

"A very good course. But need improvement, since it called Windows OS Forensics, it should cover more about Windows artifacts. But overall, great content. Thanks a lot."

The explanations are clear and easy to understand.

"Excellent Course with very clear cut explanations. Thank you !!!"

"Un curso lleno de conocimientos, explicaciones y demostraciones, que hacen más fácil comprender su contenido. Gracias .!"

The exams are difficult.

"there are some mistakes (questions 4 and 45) in the final quiz."

"Long videos with slideshows and poor presentation and transcription. Good information, but some was either poorly explained or misleading. I will have to study more about this elsewhere."

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 Windows OS Forensics with these activities:

Consolidate Course Materials for Review

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Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance comprehension and retention of course concepts

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Gather all course materials
Organize materials into logical categories
Review and summarize key concepts

Review Basic Computer Science Concepts

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Strengthen foundational understanding of computer science concepts to enhance comprehension of forensic principles

Browse courses on Computer Science Fundamentals

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Review basic data structures and algorithms
Practice solving basic coding problems
Review networking and security concepts

Follow a Tutorial on Windows Registry Forensics

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Learn the basics of Windows Registry forensics by following a guided tutorial to examine and analyze registry artifacts

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Find a reputable tutorial on Windows Registry forensics
Follow the steps outlined in the tutorial
Practice examining and analyzing registry artifacts

Two other activities

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Recover Deleted Files from FAT32 File System

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Deepen understanding of FAT file system by attempting to recover deleted files using forensic tools or manual methods

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Obtain a FAT32 formatted drive with deleted files
Use a forensic tool to recover the deleted files
Manually recover the deleted files using hex editor
Compare the results of the two methods

Practice Decoding exFAT File System Metadata

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Develop proficiency in exFAT file system by practicing decoding metadata to locate and recover deleted or hidden files

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Obtain an exFAT formatted drive with hidden or deleted files
Use forensic tools to locate the metadata
Practice decoding the metadata to recover files

Career center

Learners who complete Windows OS Forensics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing software applications. This may include designing new software applications, developing new software features, or maintaining existing software applications. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Software Engineer who needs to develop software applications for Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Software Engineer to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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IT Auditor

An IT Auditor is responsible for auditing computer systems and networks to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. This may include reviewing security logs, interviewing employees, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for an IT Auditor who needs to audit Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help an IT Auditor to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist is responsible for developing and implementing computer software and systems. This may include designing new algorithms, developing new software applications, or managing computer networks. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Computer Scientist who needs to develop software applications for Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Computer Scientist to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing security solutions for computer systems and networks. This may include developing security policies, configuring security software, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Security Engineer who needs to develop security solutions for Windows systems. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Security Engineer to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. This may include analyzing security logs, monitoring network traffic, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Security Analyst who needs to investigate security incidents or conduct security audits. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Security Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. This may include identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, monitoring security logs, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Cybersecurity Analyst who needs to investigate cyberattacks or conduct security audits. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Cybersecurity Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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Incident Responder

An Incident Responder is responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents. This may include investigating malware attacks, data breaches, or other security breaches. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for an Incident Responder who needs to recover deleted files or analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help an Incident Responder to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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Forensic Scientist

A Forensic Scientist is responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence in criminal investigations. This may include examining DNA evidence, analyzing fingerprints, or investigating cybercrimes. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Forensic Scientist who needs to investigate cybercrimes. For example, the course covers how to recover deleted files and analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive, which can help a Forensic Scientist to find and analyze evidence of cybercrimes.

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Network Security Analyst

A Network Security Analyst is responsible for protecting computer networks from cyberattacks. This may include monitoring network traffic, identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, or conducting security audits. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Network Security Analyst who needs to investigate cyberattacks or conduct security audits. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Network Security Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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Computer Forensic Analyst

A Computer Forensic Analyst is responsible for finding and retrieving digital evidence in criminal investigations. This may include recovering deleted files, examining the contents of a computer's hard drive, or analyzing network traffic. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be helpful for a Computer Forensic Analyst who needs to recover deleted files or analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Computer Forensic Analyst to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

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Digital Forensic Examiner

A Digital Forensic Examiner is responsible for investigating and analyzing digital evidence in criminal cases. This may include examining computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices for evidence of criminal activity. The Windows OS Forensics course covers the basics of Windows file systems, including FAT32, ExFat, and NTFS. This knowledge may be useful for a Digital Forensic Examiner who needs to recover deleted files or analyze the contents of a computer's hard drive. For example, the course covers how to interpret the information in the file system data structures, which can help a Digital Forensic Examiner to understand how these file systems work and where to find the data they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensic Examiner