Computer Forensics Fundamentals from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understanding what computer forensics is
Be able to make a forensics image from a drive
Be able to mount a drive for analysis

Understand basic artifacts of the operating system
Understand basics of first responder to scene and what should be done to secure the digital evidence

Understanding what computer forensics is
Be able to make a forensics image from a drive
Be able to mount a drive for analysis
Understand basic artifacts of the operating system
Understand basics of first responder to scene and what should be done to secure the digital evidence

Syllabus

Understanding what computer forensics is

Introduction and layout of the course. What will be taught and how it will be taught

The course introduction giving a working definition of what computer forensics is, the steps of basic computer forensics and ways computers can be used to commit a crime.

Quiz on what was covered in introduction

Understanding Hash and hexadecimal

This lecture covers what hash files are and how they are used in different ways in computer forensics.

This is a lab exercise to the understanding hash files better. You can create your own txt files or download the ones in the lecture extras section. If the website in the PDF file is not available use the following website to complete the exercise: www.whatsmyip.org/hash-generator/

This lecture covers the hexadecimal numbering system and how it is used in computer forensics.

This is a lab exercise to understand hex editor software and file headers better. Download the 3 supplemental files and follow the instructions in the lab.

Quiz about understanding of hash values and hexadecimal numbers

Understanding hardware and file sytems in relation to computer forensics

This lecture covers the physical and logic copies of hardware, slack space and RAM

This lecture covers hardware devices, file systems and operating systems.

Quiz on hardware storage devices, RAM and locations/types of evidence

Imaging software

An overview of the forensics imaging software used to make, mount and explorer forensic images.

Downloading and Installing the software

Image acquisition

Creating a Forensic Disk Image

Demonstration on how to add evidence to a case

Acquiring an Image

Mounting and Exploring an image file

Demonstration of how to mount and image as a drive letter

Over view demonstration of exploring an image

First responder supplimental

This lesson covers procedures for first responders to a scene collecting evidence.

Quiz on response to a crime scene

Conclusion and where to go from here

Wrap up and recommendations on where to go from here and in the future.

Bonus Lecture: More computer forensics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Beginner-friendly introduction to the foundational steps computer forensics and the world of digital forensics examination

Taught by experienced instructor John Boyle who developed this course to give learners a taste of the real world

Develops foundational knowledge of basic computer forensics concepts and skills, such as imaging and exploring drives

Hands-on labs demonstrate best practices and provide an interactive learning experience

Supplemental first responder lesson provides valuable guidance for initial steps at a scene

Prerequisites are not explicitly stated, but the course assumes basic computer literacy

Reviews summary

Computer forensics fundamentals: a primer

learners say this course provides a good overview of the fundamentals of computer forensics, making it suitable for beginners and those interested in the field. Engaging hands-on labs and clear explanations enhance the learning experience. However, some have noted outdated content, audio issues, and a lack of depth in certain areas. The course covers: - The importance of preserving evidence - Using FTK Imager to image and analyze disks - Recognizing file formats through hashes - Understanding the legal implications of computer forensics - Chain of custody procedures

Interactive labs enhance understanding of key concepts.

"I liked the quizzes they helped me think and absorb the knowledge more."

"It gives a good high-level overview of all the basics (the importance of COC, the importance of maintaining the integrity of the original evidence, basic imaging/mounting/viewing with FTK Imager, ect.)"

"I feel more confident about diving into a full-time load of college classes now."

Suitable for those new to computer forensics.

"great match for me. some people want to complain about the audio and they do not think about the content good job!"

"I came into this course knowing absolutely nothing about computer forensics, and this course helped me with understanding certain jargon and knowing the basics"

"This course is really just about fundamentals, the what you need to know as basics."

"I personally thought is was a great introduction course for people that are interested in computer forensics."

Straightforward and easy-to-understand explanations enhance the learning process.

"Professor Boyle covered much grounds in such a short time."

"He has an engaging style with end of section quizzes."

"Boyle is clear, concise and presents his lectures professionally."

May not provide enough details for experienced learners.

"I was quite excited to begin this course, as I have a huge interest in the subject."

"expected much more."

"I think it is outdated in terms of popular computer systems and tools."

"I've a background in Computers and Networking."

"I have a few complaints about the course"

Inconsistent audio quality can be distracting.

"sometimes the audio would cut out."

"audio very confusing at some lectures, also some of the files from labs activities are missing"

"audio too low or very high and at some lectures it was cut off in the end."

Certain information and software may be outdated, affecting the course's relevance.

"looks like some of the stuff has been lost possible in language conversions."

"the .zip file issue reported over a year ago still is there."

"Some of the content appears outdated and no longer applicable."

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 Computer Forensics Fundamentals with these activities:

Organize and review your notes and materials

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Staying organized will help students keep track of the information they are learning and make it easier to review for exams.

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Create a system for organizing your notes
Review your notes regularly

Review hash functions

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Reviewing hash functions will strengthen foundational knowledge and make it easier to undertand how they are used in computer forensics.

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Read the lecture notes on hash functions.
Complete the practice exercises on hash functions.

Guided Tutorials: Hashing and Hexadecimal in Computer Forensics

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Review the basics of hashing and hexadecimal to prepare for the course content on digital evidence analysis.

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Watch the provided video tutorials on hashing and hexadecimal concepts.
Complete the hands-on exercises to apply your understanding.
Take the quiz to assess your comprehension of the materials.

11 other activities

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Practice creating a forensic disk image

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Practicing forensic disk imaging will not only help solidify this skill, but also increase confidence in performing this procedure.

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Set up a virtual machine
Install a forensic imaging tool
Create a forensic disk image of the virtual machine

Watch video tutorials on computer forensics

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Video tutorials can provide students with a more engaging and interactive way to learn about computer forensics.

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Find video tutorials online
Watch the tutorials
Take notes

Complete practice exercises on computer forensics

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Practice exercises will help students reinforce their understanding of the concepts and techniques of computer forensics.

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Find practice exercises online
Complete the exercises
Review your answers

Join a study group or participate in online forums

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Engaging with peers can help students learn from each other and reinforce their understanding of the course material.

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Find a study group or online forum
Participate in discussions

Practice Drills: Creating and Mounting Forensic Images

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Engage in hands-on practice to develop proficiency in creating and mounting forensic images.

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Set up the forensic imaging software.
Create a forensic image of a sample drive.
Mount the forensic image and explore its contents.
Repeat the process with different types of drives or file systems (optional).

Peer Session: First Responder Procedures

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Engage with peers to discuss and reinforce procedures for first responders to a computer crime scene.

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Join a study group or discussion forum.
Participate in discussions and share your perspectives on first responder procedures.
Conduct mock exercises to practice securing digital evidence (optional).

Find a mentor in the field of computer forensics

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Finding a mentor will provide students with an opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance from an experienced professional in the field.

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Attend industry events
Network with professionals on LinkedIn
Reach out to professors or instructors

Create a presentation on the basics of computer forensics

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Creating a presentation on the basics of computer forensics will help solidify the concepts students have learned and enhance their ability to explain them to others.

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Practice giving your presentation
Choose a topic for your presentation
Research your topic
Create a storyboard for your presentation
Develop the content for your slides

Project: Analyze a Forensic Image

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Apply your understanding of forensic imaging by analyzing a sample forensic image and identifying artifacts of interest.

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Obtain a sample forensic image.
Mount the image and explore its contents.
Identify and document artifacts related to the operating system, applications, and user activity.
Write a report summarizing your findings (optional).

Workshop: Advanced Forensic Analysis Techniques

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Attend a workshop to refine your forensic analysis skills and learn about advanced techniques.

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Identify relevant workshops and register for participation.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
Engage with experts and fellow attendees to expand your knowledge.
Apply the learned techniques to your own forensic investigations (optional).

Volunteer: Assisting with Forensic Investigations

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Gain practical experience by volunteering to assist with forensic investigations under the supervision of professionals.

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Identify organizations or law enforcement agencies that offer volunteer opportunities in computer forensics.
Inquire about available opportunities and meet eligibility requirements.
Assist with forensic investigations under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Document your experiences and reflect on the practical aspects of computer forensics (optional).

Career center

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

Computer Forensics Investigator

Computer Forensics Investigators are responsible for the collection, preservation, and examination of digital evidence. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate computer crimes and to help law enforcement and prosecution teams build strong cases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensics Investigator

Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analysts specialize in the examination and analysis of computer data in legal investigations. They use their skills to uncover evidence of crimes and to help law enforcement and prosecution teams build strong cases. The Computer Forensics Fundamentals course can provide a solid foundation in the principles and techniques of computer forensics, which can be essential for Forensic Computer Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Science Technician

A Forensic Science Technician is responsible for collecting, preserving, and analyzing evidence in criminal investigations. This can include digital evidence, such as computer data. The Computer Forensics Fundamentals course can provide a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of computer forensics, which can be helpful for Forensic Science Technicians who need to collect and analyze digital evidence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Science Technician

Incident Responder

Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents, including those involving computer systems. They use their skills to identify the source of an incident, contain the damage, and recover lost data. The Computer Forensics Fundamentals course can provide a strong foundation in the principles and techniques of computer forensics, which can be helpful for Incident Responders who need to investigate and respond to computer security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for the protection of computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents and to identify and mitigate security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer networks. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and respond to network security incidents and to identify vulnerabilities in network systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate data breaches and to identify and mitigate security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence Analysts are responsible for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of intelligence information. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate cyber threats and to identify and mitigate security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems and networks. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems and to identify and mitigate security risks.

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Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for the development and implementation of security policies and procedures. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and respond to security breaches and to identify and mitigate security risks.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and respond to security breaches and to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Computer Security Analyst

Computer Security Analysts plan, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. These professionals use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and respond to security breaches and to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Security Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the management and maintenance of databases. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and resolve database corruption and to identify and mitigate security risks.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems and networks. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and resolve system failures and to identify and mitigate security risks.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. They use their knowledge of computer forensics to investigate and resolve network problems and to identify and mitigate security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer