How do I access EnCase forensic image file?
The following step by step procedure need to be performed to open and view EnCase image:
- First of all, you need to Download and Install E01 Viewer on the Desktop
- Now, select the Scan option and you will be provided three options i.e. EDB, OST & PST for scanning these Files. ...
- Then, click on the Browse button for where your .e01 image files are stored
How to make the forensic image of the hard drive?
- Download the osfclone.zip file and extract it to a directory of your choosing on your local hard disk drive. ...
- To reduce the likelihood of mistakes, remove all other USB drives or devices which you may have connected to your system.
- Plug the UFD you'd like to use for booting OSFClone into your system and make a note of its drive letter. ...
What is forensic photography and photo documentation?
Photo Documentation. The National Protocol Adult/Adolescent states that photography is an integral component of the medical forensic examination. Photographs are taken to document injury and other physical findings from the examination. These photographs should meet the facility standards of medical photography. The legal uses of medical ...
What is a motion for a forensic?
Motion to disqualify a forensic expert. This motion is in essence a Frye Motion. You will need an affidavit from your own expert stating why he or she believes that the court appointed expert failed to follow the proper protocols. If you “win” the motion most likely there will have to be a Frye hearing.
What are the types of forensic images?
Generally, there are three primary types of forensic image collection techniques: 1) creating a physical forensic image of the device; 2) collecting a logical image; or 3) doing a targeted collection of device data. Determining the appropriate forensic image format depends on the nature of the legal matter and budget.
What is a forensic image of a hard drive?
A forensic image is an electronic copy of a drive (e.g. a hard drive, USB, etc.). It's a bit-by-bit or bitstream file that's an exact, unaltered copy of the media being duplicated.
How a forensic image is created?
A Forensic image is an exact copy of hard drive. This image is created using various third-party tools which can easily capture the image of a hard drive bit by bit without changing even a shred of data. Forensic software copies data by creating a bitstream which is an exact duplicate.
What does forensic copy mean?
An accurate bit-for-bit reproduction of the information contained on an electronic device or associated media, whose validity and integrity has been verified using an accepted algorithm.
Can you tell if a hard drive has been cloned?
Yes; There will be traces. How easily those traces can be found depends on the skill of the person looking for those traces. If the cloning is done to a disk of exactly the same size, and is done bit-by-bit, I don't see how anyone can detect it. Except maybe by the sticker on the disk.
How do you take forensic images?
3:3611:04How to make a Forensic Image with FTK Imager - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipImager. So to create an image you can either click on this create desk image icon or you can go toMoreImager. So to create an image you can either click on this create desk image icon or you can go to your file and create this image. So we have some different sources.
How are digital forensic images collected?
Digital evidence can be collected from many sources. Obvious sources include computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, hard drives, CD-ROM, USB memory sticks, cloud computers, servers and so on. Non-obvious sources include RFID tags, and web pages which must be preserved as they are subject to change.
What is a smart forensic image?
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is an internal monitoring and reporting technology built into most modern hard drives. Its main purpose is to detect anomalies and predict failure.
What is forensic imaging tools?
Tools are a forensic examiner's best friend – using the right tool helps to move things faster, improve productivity and gather all the evidence....Top 10 free tools for digital forensic investigationSIFT Workstation. ... Autopsy. ... FTK Imager. ... DEFT. ... Volatility. ... LastActivityView. ... HxD. ... CAINE.More items...•
What is the difference between forensic imaging and copying?
A forensic image is a verified bit for bit copy of an entire disk a forensic copy is the act of cloning files without changing the metadata and verifying each of the files with an MD5 hashsum.
What is a forensic evidence file?
A forensic copy is a file-level copy of data from a hard disk. Before the copies are taken, the parties involved in the discovery process agree what type of files (email, purchase records, timecards, etc.) will be part of the forensic analysis, and then only those files are copied.
Why is a forensic copy important?
This is important to digital forensic investigators because unallocated space may contain deleted files or other residual data that can be invaluable during discovery. A forensic copy also preserves file metadata and timestamps, while a logical copy does not.
What is forensic analysis of the hard disk?
By performing the digital forensic analysis, it is possible to identify the types of crime committed and the criminal behind the crime. The Computer hard disk is a main source of evidence against such crimes as it maintains the digital information on it.
Why a forensic image of the computer disk is needed?
Unless the data is deleted securely and overwritten, it can often be recovered with forensic or file recovery software. Creating and backing up a forensic image helps prevent loss of data due to original drive failures. The loss of data as evidence can be detrimental to legal cases.
What is the difference between forensic imaging and copying?
A forensic image is a verified bit for bit copy of an entire disk a forensic copy is the act of cloning files without changing the metadata and verifying each of the files with an MD5 hashsum.
Why is a forensic copy important?
This is important to digital forensic investigators because unallocated space may contain deleted files or other residual data that can be invaluable during discovery. A forensic copy also preserves file metadata and timestamps, while a logical copy does not.
What is forensic image?
A simple answer would be that a forensic image contains all data stored on a device. But I believe this subject deserves a more comprehensive explanation.
How to make a forensic image sound?
One of the most important steps of making a forensic image forensically sound is documentation. Like stated before it’s the golden rule of forensics that you never touch, change or alter anything until it has been documented.
What is the gold rule of forensics?
The gold rule of forensic also applies to digital forensics. When you want to investigate a system you need to document everything you can about the system. And in digital forensics, we are able to something special. We are able to create a 100% identical copy of the evidence.
What is a RAW image?
The RAW image format is basically a bit-for-bit copy of the RAW data of either the disk or the volume stored in a single or multiple files.#N#There is no metadata stored in the image files. Most tools create a separate text file containing all the details regarding the image file including the used hardware/software, source and destination details and hash values.
What is a logical image?
A logical image is a file system level image. These images are usually created when you are unable to create a physical image (e.g. device limitations) or when you just want to image a certain folder (e.g. a users mailbox, or a user directory on a server). It’s possible due to legal constraints you are are not allowed to capture anything more than the files located in a certain folder. Creating a logical image is the best way to only capture the data in a folder, a nothing more.
What are the two types of images?
When creating the actual image, there are basically two types of images you can create. A physical image or a logical image.
Can you create a forensic image?
While it is possible to create a forensic image yourself . I would highly recommend hiring an expert to perform any kind of forensic data acquisition.
What is forensic image?
If you are new to the world of digital forensics, you may come across the term “forensic image.” What exactly is a forensic image? A forensic image is a bit for bit copy of the source device and is stored in a forensic image format. A forensic image allows you to conduct your investigation on an exact copy of the source device. Now your source device may be a thumb drive, hard drive, or SSD drive.
What is DD in forensics?
DD is one of the oldest imaging tool available for forensic investigators. It originally was a UNIX command but has now been migrated to all the major operating systems. There are now unique versions of DD that you can use, one of the more common versions is dc3dd, has been developed by Jesse Kornblum.
Why is it important to get a forensic image?
Obtaining a forensic image is a crucial first step to any digital forensic investigation, and if it is not done properly you may have your evidence deemed inadmissible. Choosing an expert third party to create the forensic image not only ensures proper procedures and protocols are followed, but it can also help you avoid accusations ...
What Type of Forensic Image Should You Choose?
There are three main methods of forensic imaging: physical, logical, or targeted . The benefits and disadvantages of each depend on the particulars of your case.
What is forensic image?
Forensic images are a typical collection technique for PCs regardless of the operating system (Windows, Mac intosh, Linux) they use. You can create them either with software or with specialized hardware devices.
What file formats can be read for forensics?
These include ISOBuster CUE, CloneCD, Alcohol, PlexTools, Virtual CD, and many others.
How to add evidence to FTK imager?
1. Once FTK Imager has been installed, from the Windows Start menu, select Programs | AccessData | FTK Imager and then click on the FTK Imager menu item. 2. When the programs open, click on the File menu, and then click on the Add Evidence Item menu item.
What is FTK imager?
FTK Imager is an imaging tool developed by AccessData ( www.accessdata.com) that allows you to preview data and assess potential evidence on a machine. Using this tool, you can make a forensic image of the data, duplicating everything on the machine so that there is no chance of modifying the original data.
What is an encase file?
EnCase is one of the most common image file formats created in forensic imaging. An EnCase image is a proprietary file type created by Guidance Software's EnCase software for use with its software packages. EnCase images are byte-level images created with built-in cyclical redundancy checks (CRCs) and the EnCase software will detect when any part of the image file has been changed. Depending on the version of EnCase used (Forensic Edition, Enterprise Edition) and the options selected (physical disk, logical volume, logical files), it can create a variety of permutations to produce images. In addition to its own image files, EnCase can read dd image files.
Can forensic tools be used to cull data?
However, at this stage, forensic tools are used to cull the data, and viruses that exist in system files may be ignored if they are in uninteresting locations.
Where is the evidence tree?
Once an evidence file is opened, you can view the folder structure in the Evidence Tree, located in the upper left-hand pane. By selecting a folder, you can then view files stored in that folder in the File List, located in the upper-right pane.
What is forensic image comparison?
The forensic image comparison investigation is the process of comparing digital images, or digital images extracted from video recordings to determine the probability that the people or objects depicted in these images are the same or different. The forensic image comparison investigation is most accurate when the images or videos are of sufficient quality, and they meet the forensic comparison criteria.
What is forensic image enhancement?
The objective of forensic image enhancement is to clarify or enhance the events as they occurred. This is done using non-destructive techniques to preserve the video evidence integrity and pixel quality. Clarifying or enhancing the events as they occurred assists the trier of fact in weighing the video evidence and its relevance to the litigation.
What is an image forensic expert?
An image forensic expert has the scientific knowledge, training, and expertise necessary to enhance and authenticate images that are being used in a criminal or civil court case. The expert witness has previous courtroom experience testifying and helps the trier of fact understand the image evidence that is offered in litigation.#N#An expert witness is crucial to offer an in-depth understanding of the evidence and the qualifications to present the information accurately in court. The testimony provides an objective, scientific analysis of the evidence as it pertains to the case.
What is image authentication?
Image authentication is the process of substantiation that the data is an accurate representation of what it purports to be. Authentication can be performed by the person harvesting the data through first-hand knowledge, or by an examiner in the lab. The criteria for image authentication usually involve the interpretability of the data and not simple format changes that do not alter the meaning or content of the data.
What is photogrammetry used for?
“Photogrammetry is the art, science, and technology of obtaining reliable information about physical objects and the environment through the processes of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant energy and other phenomena .” SWGDE Guidelines for Forensic Image Analysis Ver. 1.0 2017#N#Although photogrammetry has been widely used for engineering and forensic purposes, it is also being made more available for aerial mapping of terrain from drones or aircrafts. In the forensic application, photogrammetry can be extremely helpful when making determinations about a suspect’s height, the measurement of objects within a frame, or estimating vehicle speeds.
What is the primary concern of the digital image forensics analysis process?
Maintaining the integrity of digital media according to rigorous standards is the primary concern of the digital image forensics analysis process. The Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) lists best practices that are required to reliably preserve image integrity. Examples include:
Why is digital imagery important?
The integrity of digital imagery plays an important role in the process of forensic investigation. In the current legal system, there are standards and expectations for proving that digital imagery has been maintained in a forensically sound manner. In the absence of integrity, the evidence may be inadmissible or deemed unreliable. With the preservation of integrity, the evidence is shown as accurate and consistent without requiring testimony from all personnel who had custody of the imagery. Additionally, when the reexamination of imagery is required, integrity provides a method to ensure the original evidence is available and admissible.
What is forensic imaging?
But the use of forensic imaging is becoming more and more diverse. The areas in which imaging is being used include fingerprints, footwear and tire impressions, ballistics, tool marks, accident scenes, crime scene reconstruction, documentation of wounds or injuries, surveillance videos, and many others.
What is the best method of imaging for vehicular deaths?
Conventional radiography remains the imaging method of choice. Postmortem imagin g of vehicular deaths is valuable. Victims include occupants of the vehicles, pedestrians, or riders of two-wheeled conveyances struck by vehicles.
What is post mortem imaging?
Compared to antemortem forensic imaging, postmortem imaging (PMI) deals with a negative selection. The approach is different: x-ray exposure matters little. Repetition is possible. PMI shall show evidence of the cause of death and not injuries for future treatment. PMI challenges the radiologist. He must analyze the whole body and, in most cases, he knows little or nothing about the deceased's preexisting diseases, if any. The radiologist has to distinguish changes due to lethal disease from those due to nonlethal disease, and lethal from nonlethal trauma. He has to recognize causes of death and consider postmortem changes. After death, decay gas and shifting fluids form patterns, which are absent in clinical diagnostic imaging; these must be interpreted.
What is the best way to detect soft tissue injuries?
Physical trauma results in fractures and soft-tissue injuries. Traditionally, orthopedic surgery and medical imaging define how the fractures are detected, characterized, and categorized. To detect traumatic soft-tissue injuries in confined spaces such as the skull (e.g., epidural and subdural hematomas) or the abdomen (e.g., ruptured liver and spleen), CT is sometimes used. Recently, some forensic scientists have recommended whole-body CT as a routine screening tool to detect fractures, soft-tissue injuries, and foreign bodies. As yet, CT has not been widely adopted for this function because the technology is expensive. Conventional radiography remains the imaging method of choice.
What are the most common forms of physical abuse?
Among non-accidental injuries, gunshot wounds, knife wounds, and various forms of physical abuse are most common. Bombings are deliberate acts of aggression perpetrated for many reasons. Physical trauma results in fractures and soft-tissue injury.
Is forensic imaging an academic exercise?
The main point is that knowing the history of forensic imaging is not just an academic exercise but has practical applications in daily work in forensic imaging both at the user level and for management. View chapter Purchase book. Read full chapter.
What Is A Forensic image?
Image Types
- When creating the actual image, there are basically two types of images you can create. A physical image or a logical image.
Imaging Formats
- When creating the image you also have several options regarding the format you store your image in. There really isn’t a good or bad format, it mainly depends on your personal preferences and the software you are going to use. The most common options offered by tools are:
Challenges
- In a perfect world, you would simply remove the storage device from the system and attach it to a write-blocker or forensic duplicator. In reality, you will find that most devices will pose a challenge in some way. It’s possible that the device you want to image has an embedded storage device which is impossible to remove. If this is the case your only option is to use a live boot disk to im…
Documentation
- One of the most important steps of making a forensic image forensically sound is documentation. Like stated before it’s the golden rule of forensics that you never touch, change or alter anything until it has been documented. It depends on where you work and what kind of investigations you do on how extensive the documentation is going to be. But there are some basics that should al…
Hash Values
- The most important part of the documentation is the hash value. Hash values can be thought of as fingerprints for digital evidence. The contents of a drive are processed through a cryptographic algorithm, and a unique numerical value (the hash value) is produced. If your copy has been modified in the slightest way, the value of your forensic copy will not match that of the evidence…
Software
- There are several tools on the market to create a forensic image. I will name a few popular ones here. Make sure to check my list of free forensic acquisition tools (click here). 1. FTK Imager (AccessData) 2. EnCase Forensic Imager (Guidance) 3. Magnet ACQUIRE (Magnet) 4. X-Ways Imager (X-Ways)
Hardware
- When using a software tool to image hard drives it’s necessary to use a write blocker. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of software write blockers as I have seen them fail in the past. According to the Hardware Write Blocker (HWB) Assertions and Test Plan Version 1.0 and Hardware Write Blocker Device (HWB) Specification, Version 2.0, available at the CFTT Web site (http://www.cftt.…
live-boot
- Whenever possible you should always try to use a write blocker or a duplicator with a build in write blocker. However, there might be situations where this isn’t possible. In these cases, you might want to use a forensic live-cd. Some situations where a live-cd might be used: 1. The storage device might be embedded on the mainboard. 2. The device might be damaged in a way that ext…
Conclusion
- While this article isn’t meant as a guide on how to create a forensic image, I hope it gives a general idea of what a forensic image is. It isn’t just the contents that make it a forensic image, but also the way it is created and documented. A forensic image that isn’t created properly might have disastrous consequences in court. This is why these images should be created by experts.