Digital Forensics Concepts

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/digital-forensics-concepts

Introduction

### Course Review: Digital Forensics Concepts on Coursera **Overview** The Digital Forensics Concepts course on Coursera is an immersive and comprehensive introduction to the field of digital forensics. Designed for individuals seeking to understand the legal considerations and practical techniques necessary for collecting and preserving digital evidence, the course covers a wide array of topics through lessons that balance theoretical knowledge and practical application. As technology continues to evolve, so does the need for skilled professionals capable of investigating cybercrimes and preserving digital evidence. This course is an excellent stepping stone for anyone interested in pursuing a career in digital forensics, cybersecurity, or law enforcement. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Digital Forensics** - This foundational module provides a broad overview of the methodologies used in digital forensics. Students will acquire essential open-source forensic tools that will be beneficial for practical applications moving forward. 2. **Legal Considerations and Search Authority** - Understanding the legal framework is critical for any forensic investigator. Here, students delve into the specific state and federal laws governing digital evidence, including ethical concerns and procedures required for obtaining search warrants. 3. **The Investigation Process** - This module introduces important scientific principles related to digital forensics, including the transfer of evidence and understanding different roles in court (witness vs. expert witness). 4. **Recognizing and Collecting Digital Evidence** - Students explore practical aspects of evidence handling, learning to prepare, label, and collect digital evidence effectively. 5. **Preservation of Evidence / On Scene Triage** - This module focuses on the critical practice of triaging digital devices, discussing how to secure volatile data and manage digital evidence in the field. 6. **Hash Values and File Hashing** - Students learn about hash algorithms and how they can be effectively utilized in investigations to validate data integrity. 7. **Creating a Disk Image** - The importance of creating a disk image is emphasized, along with best practices to prevent cross-contamination of digital evidence. 8. **Keyword and Grep Searches** - This segment introduces automated tools for conducting keyword searches and the fundamentals of using grep for forensic analyses. 9. **Network Basics** - Students are provided insights into the operation of networks, including understanding IP addresses, MAC addresses, and the role they play in forensics. 10. **Reporting and Peer Review** - The ability to create effective reports is crucial for forensic professionals. This module guides students on how to structure their findings and highlights the importance of peer review. 11. **Digital Forensics Project** - This practical project allows students to apply their learning in a simulated environment, reinforcing the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course. ### Review and Recommendation The Digital Forensics Concepts course is well-structured and comprehensive, making it a great choice for both beginners and professionals looking to brush up on their knowledge. The balance between legal considerations and practical skills equips learners with a holistic understanding of what is required in the field of digital forensics. One of the standout features of this course is its practical focus. It offers practical tools and methodologies, which are critical in real-world applications. Additionally, the inclusion of a final project allows students to showcase their acquired skills hands-on, providing a valuable addition to any resume. The course also does an excellent job of keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and cyber threats. The inclusion of modules on network basics and current methodologies ensures that learners are not only aware of the legal and procedural aspects but are also prepared to face modern challenges in digital forensics. **Who Should Take This Course?** - Aspiring digital forensics professionals - Law enforcement personnel seeking to enhance their investigative skills - IT professionals interested in adding forensic expertise to their toolkit - Anyone looking to gain a solid understanding of digital evidence and its implications in the legal sphere In conclusion, I highly recommend enrolling in the Digital Forensics Concepts course on Coursera. The merging of legal knowledge with practical techniques equips learners not only with a theoretical foundation but also with skills applicable to real-life scenarios in the ever-important field of digital forensics.

Syllabus

Introduction to Digital Forensics

This introductory course provides a broad overview of computer forensics as an occupation by exploring methodologies used surrounding digital forensics. In addition, the student acquires open-source forensic tools to use throughout this path.

In this module, you'll explore the laws that apply to digital forensics. Multiple state and federal laws apply to the field of digital forensics, as well as ethical concerns. This module demonstrates information commonly needed in a search warrant and a preservation request. The scope of search authority is covered, as well as the limitations of a consent search and guidelines surrounding wiretaps.

An introduction to the scientific principles of digital forensics. This module covers scientific principles that apply to digital forensics. The student learns about transfer of evidence, the difference between a witness and an expert witness and "big data" concerns and solutions.

Prepare for the practical side of forensic examinations with this module on physical evidence handling. In addition to forensic examinations, most digital investigators must understand how to manage physical evidence before, during and after leaving the scene. This module explores what to bring to a scene and how to prepare and label digital evidence for documentation purposes. You'll also examine how to collect and preserve the evidence for transportation and secure storage.

Explore the details of digital device triage. Triaging a digital device is essential knowledge. Proper on-scene triage prevents the loss of volatile data and the collection of unnecessary devices. This module discusses capturing RAM, recognizing and dealing with encryption and destructive processes and triaging devices with a forensic boot media.

A look at hash values and hash algorithms. In this module, the student learns how to use hash values as a way to include or exclude files from an investigation. This includes a discussion of different types of hash algorithms and how to hash individual files versus hashing drives.

In this module, you'll explore the importance of creating a disk image. Forensic examiners need to be meticulous in their work to avoid cross-contamination when creating a bit-stream copy. This module explains the importance of sterilizing media, how to validate tools, proper application of the write-blocker and validating the forensic bit-stream copy.

Explore the details of keyword and grep searches. How to conduct a keyword search using automated tools and how to establish a keyword list is covered in this module. The student receives an overview of grep, as well as completing a grep search using an automated tool.

A look at network basics for the computer forensics investigator. This module describes what a network is, how it functions, what IP addresses are and an IP address’s function on the network. This module also explores what a MAC address is and why it is vital to network forensics. Internet protocols are also covered.

A look at the importance of reporting and peer review. Report writing and peer review are of utmost importance. In this module, the student examiner learns what information to include and what does not belong in a final report. The student views several example reports, as well as generates a report using forensic software.