Windows OS Forensics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/windows-os-forensics

Introduction

### Course Review: Windows OS Forensics on Coursera --- In today's digital age, understanding how operating systems handle data is crucial, especially in the realm of cybersecurity and digital forensics. For anyone interested in this field, the **Windows OS Forensics** course offered on Coursera provides an exceptional foundation for understanding the intricacies of Windows file systems including FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS. Here, I will outline my experience with the course, delve into the curriculum, and ultimately recommend why this learning opportunity is invaluable for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike. #### Course Overview The **Windows OS Forensics** course meticulously covers essential topics that every forensic analyst should comprehend. From the procedures of data storage and deletion on various Windows file systems to techniques for recovering deleted files, the curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of how data persists—or fails to persist—on disk drives. The course emphasizes practical applications, ensuring the knowledge gained can be applied directly in forensic investigations. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Bits, Bytes and Endianess:** - This initial module introduces the binary language underpinning computers. It dives into various numbering schemas and their significance in forensic analysis, enabling students to read and interpret hexadecimal and binary data. This foundational knowledge is paramount for validating forensic software, especially in situations that may require courtroom evidence. 2. **Disk Partition Schema:** - Exploring the master boot record versus the GUID partition table, this module helps students understand where partitions reside on a drive. By learning how to interpret the master boot record (MBR) and locate the volume boot record, students fortify their skills in navigating complex data structures—a necessary skill for any forensic investigator. 3. **The FAT File System:** - Focusing on the FAT file system, this module explains how data is written and deleted. The ability to recover deleted data or navigate reformatted drives can be game-changing in investigations, and this module lays the groundwork for those recovery techniques. 4. **The NTFS File System:** - Understanding NTFS is critical for any forensic examination of Windows systems. This module details data organization, metadata storage, and the implications of file creation and deletion. This knowledge helps students recover files and understand forensic artifacts that can emerge during an investigation. 5. **The exFAT File System:** - With applications in portable drives and newer technologies, understanding the exFAT file system is essential. This module focuses on architecture, file tracking, and deleted data recovery, expanding the student’s skill set to encompass diverse file system types. 6. **Windows Registry Forensics:** - The Module shifts focus to the Register, unpacking its complexities and challenges. Students learn methods for examining live Registry data and extracting relevant files, furnishing them with tools to uncover significant user artifacts, such as USB connection histories and last accessed files. #### Course Experience The course is well-structured, engaging, and packed with informative content. The blend of theory and practical exercises reinforces learning outcomes and ensures that key concepts are understood and can be applied effectively. The platform facilitates interaction with instructors and fellow students, fostering a learning community where each participant can share insights and clarify doubts. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend the **Windows OS Forensics** course on Coursera to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of digital forensics within Windows environments. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional seeking to update your skills, this course equips you with the essential knowledge and methodologies needed for effective forensic investigations. The skills garnered from this course not only enhance professional credentials but also significantly contribute to the integrity and accuracy of forensic analyses. In conclusion, the intricacies of Windows file systems are far more critical than many may initially believe. As technology evolves and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for trained forensic analysts is increasingly vital. This course is a step forward in mastering those essential skills. Don’t hesitate—enroll today and unlock the door to your future in digital forensics!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.