Specialized DFIR: Windows File System and Browser Forensics from Pluralsight

Analyzing Windows file systems and browser artifacts can provide critical information in investigations.

Windows forensic investigations can be daunting with the number of places that contain potential evidence. Focusing on specific areas of the Windows OS will help speed an investigation up and find the information you need. Two of those areas are the Windows NTFS file system, and browser activity.

In this course, Specialized DFIR: Windows File System and Browser Forensics, you’ll learn to analyze the Windows NTFS file system as well as Internet browser activity for evidence of compromise and suspicious activities. First, you’ll explore the NTFS master file table, convert it to a readable format, and find new and modified files related to a compromise. Next, you’ll discover where Internet browsers store their information and how you can use that to your advantage. Finally, you’ll learn how to combine all of this information to have a more comprehensive view of the malicious activities that took place on a compromised host. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to to perform file system and browser forensics on a Windows system.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Windows NTFS Analysis

NTFS Timeline Generation and Analysis

Browser Artifacts

Browser Analysis

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core skills for forensic investigations, particularly in the analysis of Windows file systems and browser artifacts

Instructors have earned a reputation for their work in the field of digital forensics and incident response (DFIR)

Builds a strong foundation for learners new to DFIR or wanting to strengthen their existing foundation

Covers unique perspectives and ideas that may add color to other topics and subjects in the DFIR field

Requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge; not for complete beginners

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 File System and Browser Forensics with these activities:

Review NTFS Master File Table Analysis

Show steps

Review the NTFS Master File Table to prepare for in-depth file system analysis.

Show steps

Review NTFS file system structure
Familiarize yourself with the MFT and its attributes

Peer Practice: File System and Browser Forensics Case Study

Show steps

Collaborate with peers on a file system and browser forensics case study to enhance understanding and problem-solving skills.

Show steps

Review case study materials
Discuss and analyze forensic artifacts
Present findings and conclusions

Tutorial: Windows File System and Browser Forensics with Volatility

Show steps

Follow guided tutorials on Windows file system and browser forensics using Volatility to gain hands-on experience.

Browse courses on Windows Forensics

Show steps

Install and configure Volatility
Analyze NTFS file system with Volatility plugins
Analyze browser artifacts with Volatility plugins

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Analyze Browser Artifacts in Jupyter Notebook

Show steps

Practice identifying and analyzing browser artifacts using Jupyter Notebook to improve browser forensics skills.

Browse courses on Jupyter Notebook

Show steps

Set up Jupyter Notebook environment
Load and explore browser artifact data
Identify and analyze relevant artifacts

Project: Timeline Analysis Report

Show steps

Create a comprehensive report on NTFS timeline analysis to demonstrate understanding of file system events and reconstruction.

Show steps

Gather and process NTFS timeline data
Analyze events and reconstruct timeline
Write a detailed report summarizing findings

Career center

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

Information Security Auditor

An Information Security Auditor is responsible for conducting audits to assess an organization's cybersecurity posture. This course may be useful for Information Security Auditors because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for auditors who need to assess and evaluate cybersecurity controls.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Auditor

Cybersecurity Consultant

A Cybersecurity Consultant provides cybersecurity advisory and consulting services to organizations. This course may be useful for Cybersecurity Consultants because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for consultants who need to assess and improve the cybersecurity posture of their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for overseeing an organization's cybersecurity strategy and operations. This course may be useful for CISOs because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for CISOs who need to understand and manage the cybersecurity risks facing their organizations.

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

Cybersecurity Manager

A Cybersecurity Manager is responsible for managing an organization's cybersecurity program. This course may be useful for Cybersecurity Managers because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for managers who need to oversee and manage cybersecurity operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Manager

Security Researcher

A Security Researcher is responsible for conducting research to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in software and systems. This course may be useful for Security Researchers because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for researchers who need to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Researcher

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for analyzing and interpreting security data to identify and mitigate threats. This course may be useful for Information Security Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for analysts who need to investigate and remediate security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Forensic Analyst

A Forensic Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting digital evidence for use in legal proceedings. This course may be useful for Forensic Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for analysts who need to extract and analyze evidence from digital devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

A Cybersecurity Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity systems and controls. This course may be useful for Cybersecurity Engineers because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for engineers who need to design and implement secure systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Threat Intelligence Analyst

A Threat Intelligence Analyst is responsible for collecting and analyzing information about threats to an organization's security. This course may be useful for Threat Intelligence Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for analysts who need to identify and track threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Threat Intelligence Analyst

Malware Analyst

A Malware Analyst is responsible for analyzing malware to identify its capabilities and behavior. This course may be useful for Malware Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for analysts who need to identify and mitigate malware threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Digital Forensics Analyst

A Digital Forensics Analyst is responsible for identifying, preserving, recovering, examining, and analyzing digital evidence for use in criminal investigations or civil proceedings. This course may be useful for Digital Forensics Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for examiners who need to extract evidence from digital devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensics Analyst

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester is responsible for conducting authorized security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in an organization's network and systems. This course may be useful for Penetration Testers because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for testers who need to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Computer Forensic Analyst

A Computer Forensic Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting digital evidence from computers and other electronic devices. This course may be useful for Computer Forensic Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for examiners who need to extract evidence from digital devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensic Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is responsible for monitoring and analyzing security logs and alerts, and identifying and responding to security threats. This course may be useful for Security Analysts because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for analysts who need to investigate and remediate security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Incident Responder

An Incident Responder is responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents. This course may be useful for Incident Responders because it provides foundational knowledge on how to analyze Windows file systems and browser artifacts, which are key skills for responders who need to quickly identify and mitigate threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder