Module 5

1. Explain Mobile forensic. What are various challenges in mobile forensics?

📱 What is Mobile Forensics?

Mobile forensics is the process of collecting, analyzing, and preserving data from mobile
devices (like smartphones and tablets) in a way that maintains the integrity of the evidence
and can be used in legal investigations.
The goal is to find digital evidence such as:
 Call logs
 Text messages
 WhatsApp chats
 Photos, videos
 Browser history
 App data (e.g., Telegram, Instagram)
👉 Example: If a person is suspected of cyberbullying through WhatsApp, mobile forensics can
be used to recover deleted messages, even if the app was uninstalled.

⚠️Challenges in Mobile Forensics

Mobile forensics is more complex than computer forensics due to the fast-changing mobile
technology and strict security features. Here are the main challenges:

1. Hardware Differences
➤ Many types of phones (Samsung, iPhone, Nokia, etc.) have different designs, ports, and
storage.
👉 Example: A charger or cable for one model might not work for another, slowing the
investigation.

2. Different Operating Systems

➤ Phones run on various systems: Android, iOS, Windows, BlackBerry, etc. Each has different
file formats and security.
👉 Example: A tool that works for Android may not work for iPhones.

3. Built-in Security and Encryption

➤ Most modern phones have encryption and passcodes to protect data.
👉 Example: Even if you access the phone, you might not be able to open files without the
decryption key.

4. Lack of Tools and Accessories

➤ Investigators need special tools, USB cables, or adapters to access and copy data.
👉 Example: Without the original charger, an old phone may not power on.

5. Remote Wiping and Cloud Sync

➤ Data can be deleted remotely or synced to the cloud, making it hard to find on the phone.
👉 Example: A suspect can erase all phone data using a "factory reset" from another device.

6. Anti-Forensic Techniques
 ➤ Criminals may hide or fake data using special apps or rename files to confuse investigators.
👉 Example: Renaming a .jpg image to .mp3 to avoid detection.

7. Device State and Volatile Data

➤ Even if a phone is “off,” background apps (like alarms or auto-sync) might still run and
change data.
👉 Example: Opening an app could change its data, making it less reliable.

8. Passcode Protection
➤ Getting past a screen lock without damaging the phone is difficult.
👉 Example: A wrong attempt might wipe all the data after multiple failed tries.

9. Malicious Programs
➤ Malware or viruses may delete or corrupt data when you try to access the phone.
👉 Example: A hidden app might auto-delete files when a forensic tool is used.

10. Legal and Jurisdictional Issues

➤ Crimes may involve multiple countries or regions, requiring permission from different legal
systems.
👉 Example: Accessing cloud data stored in another country may need legal approval.

2. Elaborate about Mobile Device Forensics.

📱 What is Mobile Device Forensics?

Mobile device forensics is a branch of digital forensics that deals with recovering and analyzing data
from mobile devices such as:

 Smartphones

 Tablets

 Smartwatches

 GPS devices

The goal is to collect evidence from these devices that can help in criminal or civil investigations,
while maintaining the integrity of the data (so that it can be used in court).

🎯 Main Objectives of Mobile Forensics

1. Identify what happened (crime or incident)

2. Recover deleted or hidden data

3. Prove who used the device and when

4. Maintain chain of custody (who handled the device)

🔍 Steps in Mobile Device Forensics

1. Seizure and Isolation

➤ Secure the mobile device and prevent it from connecting to networks (airplane mode or Faraday
bag).
👉 Example: This stops remote wiping or syncing.

2. Preservation (Prevent Data Loss)

➤ Take a forensic image or backup of the device using tools.

👉 Tools: Cellebrite, Oxygen Forensic Suite, MOBILedit.

3. Extraction

➤ Collect all possible data such as:

 Call logs

 SMS

 Contacts

 App data (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram)

 Photos and videos

 Browser history

 Location data
👉 Example: An investigator recovers deleted WhatsApp chats from a suspect’s phone.

4. Analysis

➤ Study the data to find patterns, timeline of events, and links to the crime.
👉 Example: Find out if the phone was used to plan a scam or fraud.

5. Reporting

➤ Create a detailed forensic report including:

 What data was found

 How it was found

 Tools used

 Hash values for data integrity

👉 Used in: Court, law enforcement, or corporate action.
⚠️Why is Mobile Forensics Challenging?

As explained in your syllabus, mobile forensics faces many issues like:

 Different hardware models and operating systems (Android, iOS, etc.)

 Built-in security like encryption and passcodes

 Frequent software updates

 Anti-forensic techniques like secure wiping or hiding apps

👉 Example: A suspect uses a third-party app to hide photos in a fake calculator app.

Mahit nahi bhendiiii kontya Module madhe yetat

1. What do you understand by social engineering? Give classification.

🧠 What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is a method used by attackers to trick or manipulate people into giving
away confidential information like passwords, PINs, or access to systems — without using
hacking tools.
Instead of attacking computers, social engineers attack human behavior, using lies, tricks, or
emotional pressure.

🎯 Goal of Social Engineering:

To bypass security by taking advantage of human trust, fear, curiosity, or urgency.

👉 Simple Example:
An attacker calls an employee pretending to be from the IT department and says,
“There’s a virus on your system, please give me your login password to fix it.”
If the employee gives the password, the attacker gets access without hacking anything.

🔢 Classification of Social Engineering Attacks

1. Phishing
➤ Fake emails or websites are used to trick users into giving sensitive information like
usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers.
👉 Example: An email that looks like it’s from your bank asking you to “update your account.”

2. Vishing (Voice Phishing)

➤ Attackers make phone calls pretending to be officials like bank staff, police, or IT support.
👉 Example: “Your account will be blocked unless you verify your card number now.”

3. Smishing (SMS Phishing)

➤ Fake text messages with malicious links are sent to steal user data.
👉 Example: “Click here to claim your free reward!” — the link installs spyware.

4. Pretexting
 ➤ The attacker builds a fake identity or story to gain trust and collect information.
👉 Example: Pretending to be a survey taker or HR staff asking for personal details.

5. Baiting
➤ The attacker offers something attractive (like free music or USB drives) to make the victim
install malware or visit a malicious site.
👉 Example: A USB drive labelled “Salary Info 2024” is left in the office — someone plugs it in
out of curiosity.

6. Tailgating (or Piggybacking)

➤ The attacker physically follows an authorized person into a secure area.
👉 Example: Pretending to be a delivery person and walking in behind an employee.

7. Quid Pro Quo

➤ The attacker offers a service or help in exchange for information.
👉 Example: “I’m an IT tech, I can fix your PC if you give me admin access.”

2. Explain importance of forensic duplication and its methods.

🧪 What is Forensic Duplication?

Forensic duplication is the process of making an exact copy (bit-by-bit) of digital evidence
(like a hard drive, USB, or phone) so that the original device is not touched or altered.
The duplicate (also called a forensic image) is used for investigation, while the original is kept
safe.

🎯 Importance of Forensic Duplication

1. Preserves Original Evidence
➤ Original data is protected from being accidentally changed or damaged.
👉 Example: If the original hard drive is damaged during analysis, the duplicate still has all the
data.
2. Maintains Legal Integrity
➤ Courts require proof that the original evidence was not altered. Forensic duplication helps
meet this legal standard.
3. Allows Repeatable Testing
➤ Investigators can test tools and run analysis multiple times on the duplicate without any
risk.
👉 Example: Malware can be tested safely on the image copy.
4. Hash Verification Ensures Accuracy
➤ Tools calculate MD5 or SHA1 hash values to prove that the copy is 100% identical to the
original.
5. Supports Chain of Custody
➤ Shows who accessed what, when, and ensures all actions are recorded for legal cases.

Methods of Forensic Duplication

1. Disk Imaging (Bit-by-bit copy)

 ➤ Copies every sector of the device, including deleted and hidden files.
👉 Tools: FTK Imager, dd (Linux), EnCase
👉 Example: Used when copying a full hard disk or USB for investigation.

2. Logical Copying
➤ Copies only active files and folders, not the entire disk (so it misses deleted or hidden
data).
👉 Use Case: Faster, but not ideal for full forensics. Used for quick checks or partial backups.

3. Live Acquisition
➤ Used when the system is running, and shutting it down would result in data loss.
👉 Example: RAM data, encrypted files, or network connections captured from a live system.

4. Mobile Device Imaging

➤ Special tools are used to image phones and tablets.
👉 Tools: Cellebrite, MOBILedit, Oxygen Forensic Suite
👉 Captures: Call logs, SMS, contacts, WhatsApp chats, etc.

5. Cloud Forensic Duplication

➤ In cloud environments, data is imaged or exported using authorized access.
👉 Example: Downloading Gmail or Google Drive data using Google Takeout (with
permission).

3. Explain Forensic Duplicates as Admissible Evidence.

📄 What is a Forensic Duplicate?

A forensic duplicate is an exact bit-by-bit copy of a digital storage device (like a hard disk,
USB, memory card).
It includes:
 All files (even deleted ones)
 Hidden data
 Metadata
It is created using forensic tools like FTK Imager, EnCase, or dd, and is stored safely for
investigation and legal use.

What Does “Admissible Evidence” Mean?

Admissible evidence means the court accepts the evidence as valid and reliable in a case.
For digital evidence to be admissible:
 It must be accurate
 Not tampered with
 Properly handled and documented

📌 Why Are Forensic Duplicates Important in Court?

1. ✅ Original Data is Not Touched
➤ Investigators work only on the copy, so the original is safe.
👉 Example: A suspect's hard drive is cloned, and the duplicate is used for analysis.
2. ✅ Same Evidence Can Be Re-Verified
➤ If needed, the duplicate can be checked again to confirm results.
3. ✅ Supports Chain of Custody
➤ Shows who accessed the data and when. Helps prove no one changed the evidence.
4. ✅ Hash Value Proves Integrity
➤ Tools generate MD5 or SHA1 hash values for the original and duplicate.
If both match, the copy is 100% accurate.
👉 Example: Original hash = abc123; Duplicate hash = abc123 → Valid.
5. ✅ Accepted by Courts and Law Enforcement
➤ If proper forensic methods and documentation are used, courts treat forensic duplicates
as valid digital evidence.

🔍 Example from a Case:

In your Module 6 report (Therese Brainchild case), a USB drive was imaged using FTK
Imager, and hash values were recorded to confirm the evidence was untouched.
This duplicate was then used to recover deleted files — all findings were legally valid.

📑 Rules for Admissibility of Forensic Duplicates

 Must be created using trusted forensic tools
 Hash values must match the original
 Follow a documented chain of custody
 Must not be modified after creation
 Report must mention when, how, and by whom the image was created

4. Explain the forensic duplication and investigation process in detail

🔍 What is Forensic Duplication?

Forensic duplication means making an exact bit-by-bit copy of a digital device (like a hard
drive, USB, mobile, etc.) so that the original is not touched or changed. This is also called a
forensic image.

🧪 What is Forensic Investigation?

Forensic investigation involves collecting, examining, and analyzing the copied data
(forensic image) to find digital evidence. This process is used in cybercrime cases like hacking,
fraud, and data theft.

🔄 Step-by-Step Forensic Duplication and Investigation Process

1. Identification
➤ Find out which devices may contain useful data (e.g., laptop, phone, USB).
👉 Example: A suspect’s desktop is suspected to have stolen company files.

2. Seizure and Isolation

➤ Secure the devices without altering any data.
➤ If it’s a mobile or online device, disconnect it from the internet (to stop remote wipe).
👉 Tools: Faraday bag (for mobiles), write blockers.

3. Documentation
 ➤ Record everything — device details, serial number, time of seizure, who handled it (chain
of custody).
👉 Example: Note that a USB drive (serial #F13225YY) was collected at 3:30 PM.

4. Create Forensic Duplicate (Imaging)

➤ Use forensic tools to create an exact copy of the device.
➤ Hash values (MD5/SHA1) are calculated before and after imaging to prove the copy is
identical.
👉 Tools: FTK Imager, EnCase, Autopsy, dd (Linux)
👉 Example: Image created of a suspect's USB drive using FTK Imager.

5. Preserve the Original

➤ Store the original device securely. All investigation is done on the duplicate (forensic
image).
👉 Reason: To avoid legal issues — the original remains untouched.

6. Examination
➤ Examine the forensic image for:
 Deleted files
 Hidden files
 Encrypted or steganographic content
 Metadata (timestamps, file path, author, etc.)
👉 Tools: Autopsy, X-Ways, Volatility, etc.

7. Analysis
➤ Look for evidence that links the user to the crime.
👉 Example: Recovered Excel file shows money transferred to an unknown account.

8. Documentation of Findings
➤ All recovered evidence must be clearly documented:
 What was found
 Where it was found
 File details (size, path, hash value)

9. Report Generation
➤ Create a proper forensic report using standard format. Include:
 Summary of findings
 Tools used
 Methods followed
 Hash values
 Screenshots/logs as appendices
👉 Follow Module VI guidelines from your syllabus.

✅ Example (From Your PDF – Therese Brainchild Case):

 Devices seized: Laptop, phones, USB
 Duplicate created using FTK Imager
 Hash values recorded
 Deleted and steganographic files recovered
 Data linked to illegal transactions and fake lottery scams
 Final report submitted with full evidence

5. What is evidence handling procedure?

🧾 What is Evidence Handling?

Evidence handling is the process of collecting, storing, preserving, and documenting digital
evidence properly so that it can be used in a legal investigation or court case.
The main goal is to make sure that no one can claim the evidence was changed, damaged,
or misused during the investigation.

🔄 Steps in Evidence Handling Procedure

1. Identification
➤ First, find the devices or digital storage that might contain evidence.
👉 Example: Suspect’s mobile phone, laptop, or USB drive.

2. Collection
➤ Collect the devices carefully without turning them on or changing anything.
👉 Use tools: Gloves, anti-static bags, Faraday bags (for mobile phones).
👉 Example: Seizing a laptop without opening or disturbing it.

3. Documentation
➤ Record all details about the evidence:
 Device name and type
 Serial number
 Date and time of collection
 Who collected it
 Where it was found
This is part of the chain of custody.

4. Preservation
➤ Make sure the original evidence is not modified. Use write blockers to stop changes
during access.
➤ Take a forensic duplicate (bit-by-bit copy) and work only on the copy.

5. Chain of Custody
➤ Keep a record of every person who handled the evidence — with time, date, and purpose.
👉 This proves in court that the evidence is authentic and was not tampered with.

6. Storage
➤ Keep original devices in secure, tamper-proof storage — like evidence lockers or digital
safes.
👉 Example: Locked cabinet with limited access.

7. Analysis
➤ Analyze the forensic copy using tools like FTK, Autopsy, or EnCase. Document every step.
 8. Presentation in Court
➤ The final report includes all evidence handling steps, hash values, and analysis. This shows
that the evidence is legal and reliable.

🎯 Why Is Evidence Handling Important?

 To protect the evidence from tampering or accidental changes
 To ensure it is accepted in court
 To maintain professionalism and trust in the forensic process
 To track accountability (who did what and when)

✅ Example of Evidence Handling:

A USB drive is found at a crime scene. Here's how proper evidence handling is done:

1. Identification:
➤ The investigator finds a grey USB drive on the suspect’s desk.
2. Collection:
➤ The investigator wears gloves and places the USB in an anti-static bag.
3. Documentation:
➤ Writes down:
o Device: Kingston USB
o Serial Number: F13225YY
o Date: 01/03/2025
o Time: 10:30 AM
o Collected by: Officer Vinay
4. Preservation:
➤ The USB is not plugged in directly. Instead, a forensic image is created using FTK
Imager.
5. Hashing:
➤ Hash value (MD5) of the original USB is calculated to prove the data is unchanged.
6. Storage:
➤ The original USB is locked in an evidence locker.
7. Analysis:
➤ Investigator uses the image copy for examining deleted files and logs.
8. Reporting:
➤ All steps and hash values are added to the final forensic report.

This way, the USB becomes admissible digital evidence in court because it was handled
properly.

6. Discuss basic security precautions to be taken to safeguard Laptops and wireless devices and
What are the devices related to security issues?

💻 Part 1: Basic Security Precautions to Safeguard Laptops & Wireless Devices

 Laptops and wireless devices like smartphones, tablets, and Wi-Fi routers are easy targets for
hackers and thieves because they are portable and often connected to the internet. So, we
must take basic security steps to protect them.

🔒 1. Use Strong Passwords & Lock Devices

➤ Set a strong password or PIN to lock your laptop or phone.
👉 Example: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols like Pa$$w0rd2024!.

🧱 2. Install Antivirus and Firewall

➤ Always use updated antivirus software and enable firewalls to stop malware and viruses.
👉 Example: Use tools like Windows Defender, Avast, or Kaspersky.

📶 3. Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections

➤ Avoid using public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
👉 Example: Use a VPN app when using free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop.

🔄 4. Enable Automatic Updates

➤ Keep your device OS, apps, and antivirus updated to fix security holes.
👉 Example: Turn on auto-update for Windows or Android.

💾 5. Backup Your Data

➤ Regularly back up your data to an external drive or cloud service.
👉 Example: Use Google Drive or an external hard disk to save important files.

6. Use Encryption
➤ Encrypt your device's hard drive so data is safe even if the device is stolen.
👉 Example: BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) for encryption.

🧍‍♂️7. Don’t Leave Devices Unattended

➤ Always lock your screen and never leave your laptop or phone open in public places.
👉 Example: Lock the screen even if you leave your desk for 2 minutes.

🔍 8. Turn Off Bluetooth/Wi-Fi When Not in Use

➤ This reduces the chances of hacking or remote access.
👉 Example: Switch off Bluetooth after using wireless earphones.

📱 Part 2: Devices Related to Security Issues

Some devices are more vulnerable to attacks due to poor configuration, lack of updates, or
open networks.

🧩 1. Laptops
➤ May be hacked through:
 Unsecured software
 Missing updates
 Lost or stolen devices

🌐 2. Wi-Fi Routers
 ➤ Common target for attackers if:
 Default password is not changed
 Firmware is outdated
 Weak encryption (like WEP) is used

📱 3. Mobile Phones/Tablets
➤ Threats:
 Malicious apps
 Public Wi-Fi spying
 Data leakage through Bluetooth or GPS

📷 4. IoT Devices (Smart cameras, smart TVs, etc.)

➤ Many have weak or no security and can be hacked easily.
👉 Example: A hacker takes control of a smart camera using its default admin password.

7. What is Redundant Array Inexpensive Disk (RAID)?

💽 What is RAID?
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. It is a data storage technology that
uses multiple hard drives together to improve performance, storage capacity, and/or data
protection.
Instead of saving all data on one hard drive, RAID spreads the data across two or more drives
in different ways, depending on the RAID level.

🎯 Main Goals of RAID:

1. Redundancy – Prevent data loss if one disk fails
2. Speed – Increase read/write speed
3. Storage Efficiency – Combine multiple disks into one logical unit

📊 RAID Levels and Their Features

🔹 RAID 0 (Striping)
 Data is split across two or more disks
 Fast performance
 No data protection — if one disk fails, all data is lost
👉 Used for: Gaming, video editing (not for critical data)

🔹 RAID 1 (Mirroring)
 Same data is copied to two or more disks
 High data protection
 Slower write speed
👉 Used for: Important files, servers

🔹 RAID 5 (Striping with Parity)

 Needs at least 3 disks
 Data + parity (error checking) is stored across disks
 If one disk fails, data can be recovered
👉 Used for: Web servers, file storage
 🔹 RAID 10 (1+0)
 Combines RAID 1 and RAID 0
 Both speed and redundancy
 Needs minimum 4 disks
👉 Used for: Databases, business servers

🔐 Why RAID is Important in Digital Forensics or Security:

1. RAID systems are often used in servers and large storage devices.
2. If one disk fails, investigators can still recover data from others.
3. Forensic tools must understand RAID structures to extract full data.
👉 Example: A company stores all client data on a RAID 5 server — forensic experts must
rebuild the array to access files during investigation.

8. What is a file system and explain forensic analysis of file system.

💾 What is a File System?

A file system is a way an operating system (like Windows, Linux, macOS) stores, organizes,
and manages files on a storage device like a hard drive or USB.
It keeps track of:
 Where files are saved
 File names
 Permissions
 Date/time of creation or modification
👉 Common File Systems:
 FAT32, exFAT, NTFS (used in Windows)
 EXT3, EXT4 (used in Linux)
 HFS+, APFS (used in macOS)

🎯 Why is File System Important in Forensics?

When someone deletes, hides, or changes files, the file system still keeps some record of
that data. Forensic experts analyze the file system to:
 Recover deleted files
 Find hidden files
 Check timestamps
 Trace user activity

🔍 Forensic Analysis of File System: Step-by-Step

1. Preserve the Original

➤ Create a forensic image of the drive using tools like FTK Imager or dd, so the original is not
changed.

2. Identify the File System Type

➤ Check if it is FAT32, NTFS, EXT4, etc., because different systems store data differently.

3. Analyze File Metadata

➤ Metadata is data about a file, like:
 Created date
 Modified date
 Last accessed time
 File size
 Permissions
👉 Example: If a file was modified just after a suspected crime time, it might be evidence.

4. Recover Deleted Files

➤ Deleted files are not erased immediately; they are marked as free space.
➤ Forensic tools can recover them if the space hasn’t been overwritten.
👉 Tools: Autopsy, X-Ways, Recuva

5. Check Hidden and System Files

➤ Some files may be marked as hidden or system files to avoid detection.
👉 Example: Malware may be saved as a hidden file in the Windows directory.

6. Analyze File Structure and Directories

➤ Check how folders are organized and if any unusual or fake directories exist.
👉 Example: A folder named “Photos” might secretly contain pirated software.

7. Verify File Integrity

➤ Use hash values (MD5/SHA1) to check if files have been tampered with.

8. Extract Logs and Time Stamps

➤ File system records can help build a timeline of user activity.
👉 Example: Which files were opened just before the system was shut down.

9. Explain in detail the task of hardware forensic tool.

Hardware forensic tools are special devices and gadgets that help investigators access, copy,
and preserve data from physical electronics (hard drives, phones, routers, memory cards)
without changing the original evidence.

1. Write-Blocking
 Task: Prevent any accidental writes to a storage device when you connect it to your analysis
computer.
 Why it matters: Stops the operating system from updating timestamps or logs on the original
drive.
 Example Tool: A USB or SATA write-blocker that sits between the suspect’s hard disk and the
forensic PC.

2. Disk Imaging/Duplicators
 Task: Make an exact, bit-by-bit copy (forensic image) of a drive or USB stick.
 Why it matters: Allows you to analyze the copy and leave the original untouched.
 Example Tool: A standalone duplicator station that can image multiple hard drives at once,
showing progress and verifying hash values automatically.

3. Hardware Bridges & Cables

 Task: Provide the correct connectors and power for different storage devices (IDE, SATA,
mSATA, M.2, NVMe).
 Why it matters: Ensures you can hook up any drive model you encounter.
 Example: A universal adapter cable kit that lets you plug in laptop drives, desktop drives, and
SSD cards.

4. Chip-Off & JTAG Tools

 Task: Physically remove or tap into memory chips on a device’s circuit board to dump raw
data.
 Why it matters: Recovers data when the device won’t boot or is heavily damaged.
 Example: A hot-air station plus a chip reader that pulls data straight off a phone’s flash
memory.

5. Mobile Device Forensic Stations

 Task: Interface with smartphones and tablets to back up app data, call logs, SMS, and
internal storage.
 Why it matters: Extracts data even from locked or encrypted phones (when legally
permitted).
 Example: A Cellebrite UFED box that connects via USB or Lightning cable and walks you
through extraction.

6. Network Tap Appliances

 Task: Capture all data packets passing through a network link without disrupting traffic.
 Why it matters: Records live communications (emails, file transfers) for later analysis.
 Example: A passive Ethernet tap that clones traffic to a recording device.

7. Hardware Keyloggers
 Task: Secretly record keystrokes between a keyboard and PC.
 Why it matters: Can prove exactly what someone typed (passwords, commands) during an
incident.
 Example: A small inline device plugged between the USB keyboard cable and the port.

8. Power and Signal Conditioning

 Task: Provide stable power to delicate devices and protect against surges or electrostatic
discharge.
 Why it matters: Prevents damage that could overwrite or erase data.
 Example: An anti-static workstation mat and a regulated bench power supply for phone
boards.

9. Forensic Write-Verifier Displays

 Task: Show real-time hash or checksum calculations as data is being copied.
 Why it matters: Immediately confirms the image matches the source, ensuring integrity.
 Example: A duplicator with a built-in screen showing MD5/SHA1 on both source and target.

10. Secure Storage and Transport Cases

 Task: Safely carry and store evidence tools and seized devices.
 Why it matters: Protects equipment and evidence from physical damage or tampering.
 Example: A lockable, foam-lined case labeled with chain-of-custody tags.
10. Write a short note on different types of scanning tools.

Scanning tools are used in ethical hacking and forensics to scan networks, devices, and
systems for vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and unauthorized activities. These tools help detect
security flaws and assist investigators in collecting evidence during cybercrime
investigations.
Here are the main types of scanning tools:

1. Network Scanning Tools

 Purpose: Discover devices, services, and open ports on a network.
 Functionality: These tools help identify active devices (servers, routers, printers), their IP
addresses, and services running on them.
 Example Tools:
o Nmap: A powerful tool that helps scan a network and discover hosts, ports, and
services.
o Angry IP Scanner: A fast and simple tool to scan IP addresses and ports.

2. Vulnerability Scanners
 Purpose: Identify security weaknesses in systems, applications, and networks.
 Functionality: They check for known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations that could be
exploited by attackers.
 Example Tools:
o Nessus: A widely used vulnerability scanner that checks for vulnerabilities,
misconfigurations, and patches.
o OpenVAS: An open-source scanner that identifies potential vulnerabilities in systems
and networks.

3. Port Scanning Tools

 Purpose: Scan specific ports to detect open, closed, or filtered ports on a device or network.
 Functionality: These tools are used to identify available services on a target machine by
scanning port numbers.
 Example Tools:
o Nmap: Can also be used for port scanning to find open ports.
o Netcat: Often called the "Swiss Army knife" of networking, it can be used to scan
ports and listen for network connections.

4. Web Application Scanning Tools

 Purpose: Identify vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site
scripting (XSS), and other attacks.
 Functionality: These tools scan web applications to find security flaws in their design or
implementation.
 Example Tools:
o Burp Suite: A popular web vulnerability scanner for detecting security issues in web
applications.
o OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy): An open-source tool for scanning and finding
vulnerabilities in web applications.
 5. File System Scanning Tools
 Purpose: Scan and recover files from digital storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives,
and memory cards.
 Functionality: They check the file system for deleted, hidden, or corrupted files and help
recover evidence.
 Example Tools:
o FTK Imager: A forensic imaging tool that creates a bit-by-bit copy of a device and
scans for deleted files.
o Recuva: A file recovery tool that can scan and recover files from storage media.

6. Malware Scanning Tools

 Purpose: Detect and remove malicious software (viruses, worms, trojans) from a system or
network.
 Functionality: They scan for known malware signatures and suspicious behavior.
 Example Tools:
o Windows Defender: A built-in antivirus for Windows that scans for malware and
removes it.
o Malwarebytes: A popular malware scanner that detects and removes various types
of malware.

11. Cyber Forensic tools

🧪 What are Cyber Forensic Tools?

Cyber forensic tools are software and hardware tools used by cyber forensic experts to
collect, preserve, analyze, and present evidence from digital devices. These tools are crucial
for identifying digital evidence in cases like hacking, fraud, data theft, and cyberbullying.
Forensic tools help recover deleted files, examine devices, and track digital footprints
without altering the original data, ensuring that evidence is valid and legally admissible.

🎯 Types of Cyber Forensic Tools

Here are some of the most common cyber forensic tools used by investigators:

1. Disk Imaging Tools

 Purpose: Create an exact, bit-by-bit copy of a hard drive or storage device.
 Why it matters: Ensures the original data is preserved, and investigations are performed on
the duplicate.
 Example Tools:
o FTK Imager: Allows forensic experts to create disk images and recover files.
o dd (Linux): A command-line tool used to make raw disk images.

2. File Recovery Tools

 Purpose: Recover deleted files from storage devices.
 Why it matters: Deleted files might still exist in unallocated space and can contain critical
evidence.
 Example Tools:
o Recuva: A popular tool for recovering deleted files from hard drives and memory
cards.
 o R-Studio: A professional data recovery tool used to recover lost data from hard
drives, RAID systems, and more.

3. Network Forensic Tools

 Purpose: Monitor and capture network traffic to find evidence of cybercrimes, such as
hacking attempts or data exfiltration.
 Why it matters: Helps investigators track data movement across networks and identify
unauthorized access.
 Example Tools:
o Wireshark: A widely used tool to capture and analyze network packets.
o Tcpdump: A network packet analyzer to capture traffic from a network interface.

4. Mobile Forensic Tools

 Purpose: Extract and analyze data from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
 Why it matters: Mobile phones often contain critical evidence like messages, call logs,
photos, and location data.
 Example Tools:
o Cellebrite UFED: A powerful tool for extracting data from mobile devices, including
locked and encrypted phones.
o Oxygen Forensic Detective: Used for extracting and analyzing mobile device data,
including apps and cloud backups.

5. Email Forensic Tools

 Purpose: Analyze email data to find evidence of crimes like phishing, fraud, or harassment.
 Why it matters: Emails can contain crucial evidence such as timestamps, sender/receiver
info, and attachments.
 Example Tools:
o MailXaminer: A forensic email analysis tool used to analyze and investigate email
evidence.
o X1 Social Discovery: A tool used for collecting and analyzing emails, social media,
and instant messages.

6. Password Cracking Tools

 Purpose: Recover or crack encrypted or password-protected files, systems, or devices.
 Why it matters: Investigators may need to access protected data to analyze evidence.
 Example Tools:
o John the Ripper: A password cracking tool used for testing the strength of
passwords.
o Hashcat: A highly advanced password recovery tool that supports multiple
algorithms.

7. Cloud Forensic Tools

 Purpose: Extract and analyze data stored in cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
 Why it matters: Many criminals use cloud services to store or share illegal data.
 Example Tools:
o CloudForensics: A tool for extracting and analyzing cloud data, particularly for cloud-
based crimes.
 o ElcomSoft Cloud Explorer: Used to recover data from cloud accounts, including
emails and files stored in cloud services.

8. File Analysis Tools

 Purpose: Analyze file systems and recover hidden or altered files, including data in
unallocated space.
 Why it matters: Helps investigators analyze file systems, identify file activity, and recover
hidden or erased files.
 Example Tools:
o EnCase Forensic: A powerful tool for file system analysis and data extraction.
o Autopsy: An open-source tool used for analyzing file systems and recovering deleted
files.

12. Firewall with neat diagram

A firewall is a security device (hardware or software) that sits between two networks—
typically your internal (trusted) network and the Internet—and controls which traffic is
allowed in or out based on a set of rules. It’s like a gatekeeper that inspects each data packet
and decides whether to let it pass.

📄 Key Functions of a Firewall

1. Packet Filtering
– Checks source/destination IP and port against allowed lists.
2. Stateful Inspection
– Tracks active connections and only allows packets matching a known session.
3. Proxying (Application-Level)
– Acts as an intermediary, making requests on behalf of clients to hide internal details.
4. Network Address Translation (NAT)
– Hides internal IP addresses by translating them to a single public IP.

Neat Diagram of a Typical Network Firewall

A firewall is a security device (hardware or software) that sits between two networks—
typically your internal (trusted) network and the Internet—and controls which traffic is
allowed in or out based on a set of rules. It’s like a gatekeeper that inspects each data packet
and decides whether to let it pass.

📄 Key Functions of a Firewall

1. Packet Filtering
– Checks source/destination IP and port against allowed lists.
2. Stateful Inspection
– Tracks active connections and only allows packets matching a known session.
3. Proxying (Application-Level)
– Acts as an intermediary, making requests on behalf of clients to hide internal details.
 4. Network Address Translation (NAT)
– Hides internal IP addresses by translating them to a single public IP.

Neat Diagram of a Typical Network Firewall

┌──────────┐
│ Internet │
└────┬─────┘
│
Public IP│
▼
┌────────────┐
│ Firewall │ ←— Inspects & filters traffic
└────────────┘
┌───────┴───────┐
│ │
▼ ▼
┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐
│ DMZ/DMZ │ │ Internal │
│ (Public- │ │ Network │
│ facing) │ │ (Private) │
└─────────────┘ └─────────────┘
▲ ▲
│ │
Web/Mail Desktops,
Servers Laptops,
Printers

 Internet: Untrusted external network.

 Firewall: The security gateway enforcing rules.
 DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): Hosts public services (web, mail) with limited access to
the internal network.
 Internal Network: Your protected, private LAN.

✅ How It Works (Simple Flow)

1. Inbound: A request from the Internet (e.g., to your web server) hits the firewall.
2. Rule Check: Firewall checks if port 80 (HTTP) is allowed to the DMZ web server.
3. Forward or Block:
o If allowed → traffic passes into the DMZ.
o If not → traffic is dropped.
4. Outbound: Internal users’ requests to the Internet are also checked (e.g., only allow
HTTP/HTTPS).

By placing a firewall at your network’s edge and configuring clear rules, you ensure only
legitimate traffic flows while blocking malicious or unwanted connections.
 Internet: Untrusted external network.
 Firewall: The security gateway enforcing rules.
 DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): Hosts public services (web, mail) with limited access to the
internal network.
 Internal Network: Your protected, private LAN.

✅ How It Works (Simple Flow)

1. Inbound: A request from the Internet (e.g., to your web server) hits the firewall.
2. Rule Check: Firewall checks if port 80 (HTTP) is allowed to the DMZ web server.
3. Forward or Block:
o If allowed → traffic passes into the DMZ.
o If not → traffic is dropped.
4. Outbound: Internal users’ requests to the Internet are also checked (e.g., only allow
HTTP/HTTPS).

By placing a firewall at your network’s edge and configuring clear rules, you ensure only
legitimate traffic flows while blocking malicious or unwanted connections.