Mastering Digital Forensics and Incident Response
You're under pressure. Breaches are escalating. Your organisation trusts you to respond-but what if you’re not fully equipped? The clock is ticking during every incident, and the cost of a delayed or flawed investigation can mean regulatory fines, reputational collapse, and career-limiting exposure. Most training leaves critical gaps. Generic cybersecurity content won’t help you collect legally defensible evidence, reconstruct attack timelines, or coordinate with legal and compliance teams under fire. You need a system-a battle-tested, structured methodology that transforms confusion into control. With Mastering Digital Forensics and Incident Response, you gain the precise frameworks, tools, and strategic clarity to lead investigations with authority. This isn’t theory. It’s the exact workflow elite digital forensics analysts use to uncover root causes, document every step for audit readiness, and shut down threats before they escalate. Just ask Sarah Lin, a senior security analyst at a Fortune 500 financial institution. After completing this course, she led her first major breach investigation within two weeks-tracing an advanced persistent threat across 14 systems, preserving chain-of-custody evidence, and delivering a report that cleared her team of liability. She was promoted two months later. This course takes you from reactive and uncertain to proactive and indispensable. You’ll go from chaos to clarity, mastering how to launch an incident response within minutes, conduct digital forensic analysis under chain-of-custody rules, and produce board-ready reports that demonstrate compliance and accountability-all in as little as 21 days. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details This is a self-paced, on-demand learning experience with immediate online access. There are no fixed dates, deadlines, or time commitments. You control your schedule and progress at your own speed-perfect for working professionals balancing critical responsibilities. What You Get
- Lifetime access to all course materials, including ongoing future updates at no additional cost. As regulations and threats evolve, your training evolves with them-automatically.
- 24/7 global access from any device. Fully mobile-friendly, so you can study during commutes, downtime, or between incidents.
- Direct access to structured guidance and instructor-reviewed resources. While this is a self-directed course, you receive clear support pathways, curated toolkits, and response templates validated by industry practitioners.
- A formal Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service, a globally recognised credential trusted by enterprises, government agencies, and certification bodies. This is not a participation badge-it’s proof you’ve mastered forensic procedures, evidence handling, and incident command protocols to professional standards.
High-Trust Pricing & Risk-Free Enrollment
Pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees. There are no subscriptions, renewal traps, or upsells. What you see is what you get-one clear investment for lifetime value. We accept all major payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal for secure and seamless checkout. Your enrollment comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at any point you find the material doesn’t meet your expectations, contact support for a full refund-no questions asked. This removes all risk and lets you focus entirely on mastering the content. Post-Enrolment Process
After enrolment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Your access details and login instructions will be sent separately once your course materials are fully provisioned. This ensures secure and accurate delivery of your credentials. “Will This Work For Me?” – Addressing Your Biggest Concern
You might be thinking: “I’m not a full-time forensics expert.” Or: “My environment is too complex.” Or even: “I’ve tried courses before and didn’t retain anything.” Here’s the truth: This works even if you’ve never led an investigation. The content is built for real-world application across diverse roles-security analysts, IT auditors, SOC managers, compliance leads, and incident responders in finance, healthcare, government, and enterprise IT. Our learners include network administrators with no formal forensics training who now lead internal investigations, compliance officers who’ve passed external audits with zero findings, and mid-level analysts promoted to incident command roles within months of completion. Every module is designed for maximum retention and practicality. You’re not passively consuming content-you’re applying structured checklists, working through forensic scenarios, and building a personal response toolkit you can deploy the same day. You’re protected by lifetime access, real-world validation, and a global credential that signals competence. That’s not just learning. It’s career leverage.
Module 1: Foundations of Digital Forensics and Incident Response - Understanding the role of digital forensics in modern cybersecurity
- Key differences between incident response, threat hunting, and forensic analysis
- The legal and ethical framework for digital investigations
- Preserving evidence integrity and chain of custody
- Overview of common forensic standards: ISO 27037, NIST SP 800-86, and ENISA guidelines
- Types of digital evidence: transient, active, latent, and metadata
- Defining the scope and objectives of a forensic investigation
- Establishing roles within an incident response team
- Initial assessment protocols for suspected breaches
- Creating a secure forensic workstation environment
- Common pitfalls in early-stage response and how to avoid them
- Introduction to forensic documentation and reporting standards
- Understanding data volatility and evidence prioritisation
- Time synchronization across systems for accurate timeline reconstruction
- Baseline security configurations for forensic readiness
Module 2: Incident Response Planning and Preparedness - Designing an enterprise incident response policy
- Building an Incident Response Plan (IRP) aligned with business objectives
- Defining incident severity levels and escalation paths
- Creating playbooks for common attack scenarios
- Integrating IR plans with business continuity and disaster recovery
- Conducting tabletop exercises and simulation drills
- Third-party coordination: legal, PR, law enforcement, and regulators
- Developing communication templates for internal and external stakeholders
- Establishing a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT)
- Role definitions: Incident Commander, Forensic Analyst, Communications Lead
- Pre-positioning forensic tools and response kits
- Securing forensic imaging devices and write blockers
- Creating encrypted evidence storage protocols
- Automating alerting and triage workflows
- Integrating SIEM outputs with response checklists
Module 3: Forensic Acquisition and Evidence Handling - Selecting appropriate acquisition methods: live vs dead imaging
- Using write blockers to prevent data contamination
- Forensic imaging tools: dd, FTK Imager, Guymager, and X-Ways
- Creating bit-for-bit disk images with hash verification
- Hashing algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and their forensic validity
- Acquiring RAM dumps for volatile memory analysis
- Network-based imaging and remote evidence collection
- Handling SSDs and challenges with wear levelling and TRIM
- Mobile device acquisition: iOS and Android considerations
- Cloud evidence acquisition: API-based data retrieval from AWS, Azure, GCP
- Handling encrypted drives and full-disk encryption scenarios
- Dealing with multi-boot and virtual machine environments
- Labelling and cataloguing evidence with unique identifiers
- Secure transport and storage of physical media
- Documentation of acquisition process for audit trails
Module 4: Windows Forensic Analysis Techniques - Analysing NTFS file system metadata
- Understanding Master File Table (MFT) entries and record parsing
- File time stamps: MACB times explained (Modified, Accessed, Created, Birth)
- Timeline analysis using file system artefacts
- Analysing prefetch files for application execution history
- Windows Registry structure and hive files
- User activity tracking via NTUSER.DAT and SOFTWARE hives
- Recent documents, jump lists, and shellbags analysis
- USB device connection history and tracking
- Logon session tracking and event log correlation
- Analysing Scheduled Tasks and Windows services
- Reviewing Windows Event Logs: Security, System, Application logs
- Event ID analysis for suspicious logins, privilege escalation, and policy changes
- Windows Defender and antivirus log examination
- Parsing PowerShell command history from registry and logs
Module 5: Linux and Unix Forensic Methods - Understanding ext4, XFS, and Btrfs file system structures
- Superblock and inode analysis for file recovery
- Analysing shell command history (.bash_history, .zsh_history)
- Reviewing authentication logs: /var/log/auth.log, /var/log/secure
- Detecting brute force and unauthorised access attempts
- Analysing system logs: syslog, journalctl, and rsyslog outputs
- Reviewing cron jobs and automated task execution logs
- Network service logs: Apache, Nginx, SSH daemon
- Analysing process lists and open ports at time of compromise
- Identifying persistent backdoors in startup scripts
- Analysing package managers: yum, apt, dpkg for malicious software
- Rootkit detection techniques and filesystem integrity checks
- Reviewing sudo usage and privilege escalation events
- Analysing system calls and auditd logs (audit rules and log parsing)
- Timeline reconstruction using log timestamps and file metadata
Module 6: Network Forensic Investigation - Collecting and analysing network packet captures (PCAP files)
- Using tcpdump and Wireshark for traffic inspection
- Identifying command and control (C2) traffic patterns
- Detecting DNS tunneling and data exfiltration over DNS
- Analysing HTTP and HTTPS traffic for malicious payloads
- Decoding SSL/TLS when keys are available
- Tracking lateral movement via SMB, RDP, and WinRM traffic
- Identifying beaconing behaviour and persistence mechanisms
- Mapping attacker infrastructure using IP addresses and domains
- Correlating network flows with host-based evidence
- NetFlow and IPFIX analysis for summarised traffic patterns
- Detecting port scanning and reconnaissance activities
- Analysing email protocols: SMTP, POP3, IMAP for phishing artefacts
- Extracting attachments and URLs from network traffic
- Network timeline synchronisation across distributed systems
Module 7: Malware Analysis Fundamentals - Difference between static and dynamic malware analysis
- Setting up isolated analysis environments (lab-in-a-box)
- Static analysis: file hashing, strings extraction, entropy analysis
- Analysing PE headers and import tables for suspicious functions
- Using VirusTotal and hybrid-analysis.com for threat intelligence
- Identifying packers, obfuscation, and anti-analysis techniques
- Dynamic analysis: monitoring file, registry, and network activity
- Using Cuckoo Sandbox and other automation tools
- Extracting configuration data from malware binaries
- Identifying persistence mechanisms: registry keys, services, scheduled tasks
- Detecting privilege escalation and defence evasion tactics
- Analysing lateral movement capabilities in malware
- Reporting findings in a standardised format
- Attribution indicators and threat actor pattern matching
- Integrating malware analysis into broader incident timelines
Module 8: Memory Forensics and Volatile Data Analysis - Understanding volatile memory architecture and acquisition
- Tools for memory capture: FTK Imager, Belkasoft Live RAM Capturer
- Analysing memory dumps with Volatility Framework
- Identifying running processes and hidden malware
- Detecting process injection: DLL injection, hollowing, APC injection
- Recovering command-line arguments and environment variables
- Extracting network connections and sockets from memory
- Identifying suspicious drivers and kernel modules
- Analysing clipboard contents and user session data
- Recovering browser history and cached credentials from RAM
- Detecting LSASS memory dumping and credential theft
- Analysing Active Directory authentication tokens
- Mapping process trees for attack chain visualisation
- Timeline alignment between memory, disk, and network data
- Memory artefact validation for legal defensibility
Module 9: Cloud and Virtual Environment Forensics - Challenges in cloud-based incident response
- Shared responsibility model and forensic limitations
- AWS forensic data sources: CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs, S3 access logs
- Azure forensic data: Azure Activity Logs, NSG Flow Logs, Sentinel
- GCP forensic sources: Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, SCC
- Acquiring virtual machine snapshots and disk images
- Analysing container logs: Docker, Kubernetes event logs
- Serverless function logs and execution traces
- Using API call logs to trace attacker actions
- Time correlation across geographically distributed services
- Incident response in multi-account and multi-region environments
- Forensic readiness configurations in cloud providers
- Automated evidence collection using Lambda, Functions, Cloud Run
- Third-party cloud forensic tools and integrations
- Legal considerations for cross-border data access
Module 10: Mobile Device Forensics - Differences between iOS and Android forensic approaches
- Physical vs logical extraction methods
- Using UFED, Cellebrite, and open-source tools
- iOS backup analysis: iTunes and iCloud backups
- Analysing SMS, call logs, iMessage, and WhatsApp artefacts
- Location data: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell tower triangulation
- Application-specific forensic data: social media, email, cloud apps
- Browser history and cached data analysis on mobile devices
- Analysing geotagged photos and metadata
- Identifying app installation and deletion history
- Rooting and jailbreaking implications for evidence admissibility
- Encryption challenges on modern mobile platforms
- Passcode bypass techniques and legal restrictions
- Timeline reconstruction using mobile activity logs
- Correlating mobile data with other forensic sources
Module 11: Email and Communication Forensics - Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Understanding the role of digital forensics in modern cybersecurity
- Key differences between incident response, threat hunting, and forensic analysis
- The legal and ethical framework for digital investigations
- Preserving evidence integrity and chain of custody
- Overview of common forensic standards: ISO 27037, NIST SP 800-86, and ENISA guidelines
- Types of digital evidence: transient, active, latent, and metadata
- Defining the scope and objectives of a forensic investigation
- Establishing roles within an incident response team
- Initial assessment protocols for suspected breaches
- Creating a secure forensic workstation environment
- Common pitfalls in early-stage response and how to avoid them
- Introduction to forensic documentation and reporting standards
- Understanding data volatility and evidence prioritisation
- Time synchronization across systems for accurate timeline reconstruction
- Baseline security configurations for forensic readiness
Module 2: Incident Response Planning and Preparedness - Designing an enterprise incident response policy
- Building an Incident Response Plan (IRP) aligned with business objectives
- Defining incident severity levels and escalation paths
- Creating playbooks for common attack scenarios
- Integrating IR plans with business continuity and disaster recovery
- Conducting tabletop exercises and simulation drills
- Third-party coordination: legal, PR, law enforcement, and regulators
- Developing communication templates for internal and external stakeholders
- Establishing a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT)
- Role definitions: Incident Commander, Forensic Analyst, Communications Lead
- Pre-positioning forensic tools and response kits
- Securing forensic imaging devices and write blockers
- Creating encrypted evidence storage protocols
- Automating alerting and triage workflows
- Integrating SIEM outputs with response checklists
Module 3: Forensic Acquisition and Evidence Handling - Selecting appropriate acquisition methods: live vs dead imaging
- Using write blockers to prevent data contamination
- Forensic imaging tools: dd, FTK Imager, Guymager, and X-Ways
- Creating bit-for-bit disk images with hash verification
- Hashing algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and their forensic validity
- Acquiring RAM dumps for volatile memory analysis
- Network-based imaging and remote evidence collection
- Handling SSDs and challenges with wear levelling and TRIM
- Mobile device acquisition: iOS and Android considerations
- Cloud evidence acquisition: API-based data retrieval from AWS, Azure, GCP
- Handling encrypted drives and full-disk encryption scenarios
- Dealing with multi-boot and virtual machine environments
- Labelling and cataloguing evidence with unique identifiers
- Secure transport and storage of physical media
- Documentation of acquisition process for audit trails
Module 4: Windows Forensic Analysis Techniques - Analysing NTFS file system metadata
- Understanding Master File Table (MFT) entries and record parsing
- File time stamps: MACB times explained (Modified, Accessed, Created, Birth)
- Timeline analysis using file system artefacts
- Analysing prefetch files for application execution history
- Windows Registry structure and hive files
- User activity tracking via NTUSER.DAT and SOFTWARE hives
- Recent documents, jump lists, and shellbags analysis
- USB device connection history and tracking
- Logon session tracking and event log correlation
- Analysing Scheduled Tasks and Windows services
- Reviewing Windows Event Logs: Security, System, Application logs
- Event ID analysis for suspicious logins, privilege escalation, and policy changes
- Windows Defender and antivirus log examination
- Parsing PowerShell command history from registry and logs
Module 5: Linux and Unix Forensic Methods - Understanding ext4, XFS, and Btrfs file system structures
- Superblock and inode analysis for file recovery
- Analysing shell command history (.bash_history, .zsh_history)
- Reviewing authentication logs: /var/log/auth.log, /var/log/secure
- Detecting brute force and unauthorised access attempts
- Analysing system logs: syslog, journalctl, and rsyslog outputs
- Reviewing cron jobs and automated task execution logs
- Network service logs: Apache, Nginx, SSH daemon
- Analysing process lists and open ports at time of compromise
- Identifying persistent backdoors in startup scripts
- Analysing package managers: yum, apt, dpkg for malicious software
- Rootkit detection techniques and filesystem integrity checks
- Reviewing sudo usage and privilege escalation events
- Analysing system calls and auditd logs (audit rules and log parsing)
- Timeline reconstruction using log timestamps and file metadata
Module 6: Network Forensic Investigation - Collecting and analysing network packet captures (PCAP files)
- Using tcpdump and Wireshark for traffic inspection
- Identifying command and control (C2) traffic patterns
- Detecting DNS tunneling and data exfiltration over DNS
- Analysing HTTP and HTTPS traffic for malicious payloads
- Decoding SSL/TLS when keys are available
- Tracking lateral movement via SMB, RDP, and WinRM traffic
- Identifying beaconing behaviour and persistence mechanisms
- Mapping attacker infrastructure using IP addresses and domains
- Correlating network flows with host-based evidence
- NetFlow and IPFIX analysis for summarised traffic patterns
- Detecting port scanning and reconnaissance activities
- Analysing email protocols: SMTP, POP3, IMAP for phishing artefacts
- Extracting attachments and URLs from network traffic
- Network timeline synchronisation across distributed systems
Module 7: Malware Analysis Fundamentals - Difference between static and dynamic malware analysis
- Setting up isolated analysis environments (lab-in-a-box)
- Static analysis: file hashing, strings extraction, entropy analysis
- Analysing PE headers and import tables for suspicious functions
- Using VirusTotal and hybrid-analysis.com for threat intelligence
- Identifying packers, obfuscation, and anti-analysis techniques
- Dynamic analysis: monitoring file, registry, and network activity
- Using Cuckoo Sandbox and other automation tools
- Extracting configuration data from malware binaries
- Identifying persistence mechanisms: registry keys, services, scheduled tasks
- Detecting privilege escalation and defence evasion tactics
- Analysing lateral movement capabilities in malware
- Reporting findings in a standardised format
- Attribution indicators and threat actor pattern matching
- Integrating malware analysis into broader incident timelines
Module 8: Memory Forensics and Volatile Data Analysis - Understanding volatile memory architecture and acquisition
- Tools for memory capture: FTK Imager, Belkasoft Live RAM Capturer
- Analysing memory dumps with Volatility Framework
- Identifying running processes and hidden malware
- Detecting process injection: DLL injection, hollowing, APC injection
- Recovering command-line arguments and environment variables
- Extracting network connections and sockets from memory
- Identifying suspicious drivers and kernel modules
- Analysing clipboard contents and user session data
- Recovering browser history and cached credentials from RAM
- Detecting LSASS memory dumping and credential theft
- Analysing Active Directory authentication tokens
- Mapping process trees for attack chain visualisation
- Timeline alignment between memory, disk, and network data
- Memory artefact validation for legal defensibility
Module 9: Cloud and Virtual Environment Forensics - Challenges in cloud-based incident response
- Shared responsibility model and forensic limitations
- AWS forensic data sources: CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs, S3 access logs
- Azure forensic data: Azure Activity Logs, NSG Flow Logs, Sentinel
- GCP forensic sources: Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, SCC
- Acquiring virtual machine snapshots and disk images
- Analysing container logs: Docker, Kubernetes event logs
- Serverless function logs and execution traces
- Using API call logs to trace attacker actions
- Time correlation across geographically distributed services
- Incident response in multi-account and multi-region environments
- Forensic readiness configurations in cloud providers
- Automated evidence collection using Lambda, Functions, Cloud Run
- Third-party cloud forensic tools and integrations
- Legal considerations for cross-border data access
Module 10: Mobile Device Forensics - Differences between iOS and Android forensic approaches
- Physical vs logical extraction methods
- Using UFED, Cellebrite, and open-source tools
- iOS backup analysis: iTunes and iCloud backups
- Analysing SMS, call logs, iMessage, and WhatsApp artefacts
- Location data: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell tower triangulation
- Application-specific forensic data: social media, email, cloud apps
- Browser history and cached data analysis on mobile devices
- Analysing geotagged photos and metadata
- Identifying app installation and deletion history
- Rooting and jailbreaking implications for evidence admissibility
- Encryption challenges on modern mobile platforms
- Passcode bypass techniques and legal restrictions
- Timeline reconstruction using mobile activity logs
- Correlating mobile data with other forensic sources
Module 11: Email and Communication Forensics - Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Selecting appropriate acquisition methods: live vs dead imaging
- Using write blockers to prevent data contamination
- Forensic imaging tools: dd, FTK Imager, Guymager, and X-Ways
- Creating bit-for-bit disk images with hash verification
- Hashing algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, and their forensic validity
- Acquiring RAM dumps for volatile memory analysis
- Network-based imaging and remote evidence collection
- Handling SSDs and challenges with wear levelling and TRIM
- Mobile device acquisition: iOS and Android considerations
- Cloud evidence acquisition: API-based data retrieval from AWS, Azure, GCP
- Handling encrypted drives and full-disk encryption scenarios
- Dealing with multi-boot and virtual machine environments
- Labelling and cataloguing evidence with unique identifiers
- Secure transport and storage of physical media
- Documentation of acquisition process for audit trails
Module 4: Windows Forensic Analysis Techniques - Analysing NTFS file system metadata
- Understanding Master File Table (MFT) entries and record parsing
- File time stamps: MACB times explained (Modified, Accessed, Created, Birth)
- Timeline analysis using file system artefacts
- Analysing prefetch files for application execution history
- Windows Registry structure and hive files
- User activity tracking via NTUSER.DAT and SOFTWARE hives
- Recent documents, jump lists, and shellbags analysis
- USB device connection history and tracking
- Logon session tracking and event log correlation
- Analysing Scheduled Tasks and Windows services
- Reviewing Windows Event Logs: Security, System, Application logs
- Event ID analysis for suspicious logins, privilege escalation, and policy changes
- Windows Defender and antivirus log examination
- Parsing PowerShell command history from registry and logs
Module 5: Linux and Unix Forensic Methods - Understanding ext4, XFS, and Btrfs file system structures
- Superblock and inode analysis for file recovery
- Analysing shell command history (.bash_history, .zsh_history)
- Reviewing authentication logs: /var/log/auth.log, /var/log/secure
- Detecting brute force and unauthorised access attempts
- Analysing system logs: syslog, journalctl, and rsyslog outputs
- Reviewing cron jobs and automated task execution logs
- Network service logs: Apache, Nginx, SSH daemon
- Analysing process lists and open ports at time of compromise
- Identifying persistent backdoors in startup scripts
- Analysing package managers: yum, apt, dpkg for malicious software
- Rootkit detection techniques and filesystem integrity checks
- Reviewing sudo usage and privilege escalation events
- Analysing system calls and auditd logs (audit rules and log parsing)
- Timeline reconstruction using log timestamps and file metadata
Module 6: Network Forensic Investigation - Collecting and analysing network packet captures (PCAP files)
- Using tcpdump and Wireshark for traffic inspection
- Identifying command and control (C2) traffic patterns
- Detecting DNS tunneling and data exfiltration over DNS
- Analysing HTTP and HTTPS traffic for malicious payloads
- Decoding SSL/TLS when keys are available
- Tracking lateral movement via SMB, RDP, and WinRM traffic
- Identifying beaconing behaviour and persistence mechanisms
- Mapping attacker infrastructure using IP addresses and domains
- Correlating network flows with host-based evidence
- NetFlow and IPFIX analysis for summarised traffic patterns
- Detecting port scanning and reconnaissance activities
- Analysing email protocols: SMTP, POP3, IMAP for phishing artefacts
- Extracting attachments and URLs from network traffic
- Network timeline synchronisation across distributed systems
Module 7: Malware Analysis Fundamentals - Difference between static and dynamic malware analysis
- Setting up isolated analysis environments (lab-in-a-box)
- Static analysis: file hashing, strings extraction, entropy analysis
- Analysing PE headers and import tables for suspicious functions
- Using VirusTotal and hybrid-analysis.com for threat intelligence
- Identifying packers, obfuscation, and anti-analysis techniques
- Dynamic analysis: monitoring file, registry, and network activity
- Using Cuckoo Sandbox and other automation tools
- Extracting configuration data from malware binaries
- Identifying persistence mechanisms: registry keys, services, scheduled tasks
- Detecting privilege escalation and defence evasion tactics
- Analysing lateral movement capabilities in malware
- Reporting findings in a standardised format
- Attribution indicators and threat actor pattern matching
- Integrating malware analysis into broader incident timelines
Module 8: Memory Forensics and Volatile Data Analysis - Understanding volatile memory architecture and acquisition
- Tools for memory capture: FTK Imager, Belkasoft Live RAM Capturer
- Analysing memory dumps with Volatility Framework
- Identifying running processes and hidden malware
- Detecting process injection: DLL injection, hollowing, APC injection
- Recovering command-line arguments and environment variables
- Extracting network connections and sockets from memory
- Identifying suspicious drivers and kernel modules
- Analysing clipboard contents and user session data
- Recovering browser history and cached credentials from RAM
- Detecting LSASS memory dumping and credential theft
- Analysing Active Directory authentication tokens
- Mapping process trees for attack chain visualisation
- Timeline alignment between memory, disk, and network data
- Memory artefact validation for legal defensibility
Module 9: Cloud and Virtual Environment Forensics - Challenges in cloud-based incident response
- Shared responsibility model and forensic limitations
- AWS forensic data sources: CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs, S3 access logs
- Azure forensic data: Azure Activity Logs, NSG Flow Logs, Sentinel
- GCP forensic sources: Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, SCC
- Acquiring virtual machine snapshots and disk images
- Analysing container logs: Docker, Kubernetes event logs
- Serverless function logs and execution traces
- Using API call logs to trace attacker actions
- Time correlation across geographically distributed services
- Incident response in multi-account and multi-region environments
- Forensic readiness configurations in cloud providers
- Automated evidence collection using Lambda, Functions, Cloud Run
- Third-party cloud forensic tools and integrations
- Legal considerations for cross-border data access
Module 10: Mobile Device Forensics - Differences between iOS and Android forensic approaches
- Physical vs logical extraction methods
- Using UFED, Cellebrite, and open-source tools
- iOS backup analysis: iTunes and iCloud backups
- Analysing SMS, call logs, iMessage, and WhatsApp artefacts
- Location data: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell tower triangulation
- Application-specific forensic data: social media, email, cloud apps
- Browser history and cached data analysis on mobile devices
- Analysing geotagged photos and metadata
- Identifying app installation and deletion history
- Rooting and jailbreaking implications for evidence admissibility
- Encryption challenges on modern mobile platforms
- Passcode bypass techniques and legal restrictions
- Timeline reconstruction using mobile activity logs
- Correlating mobile data with other forensic sources
Module 11: Email and Communication Forensics - Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Understanding ext4, XFS, and Btrfs file system structures
- Superblock and inode analysis for file recovery
- Analysing shell command history (.bash_history, .zsh_history)
- Reviewing authentication logs: /var/log/auth.log, /var/log/secure
- Detecting brute force and unauthorised access attempts
- Analysing system logs: syslog, journalctl, and rsyslog outputs
- Reviewing cron jobs and automated task execution logs
- Network service logs: Apache, Nginx, SSH daemon
- Analysing process lists and open ports at time of compromise
- Identifying persistent backdoors in startup scripts
- Analysing package managers: yum, apt, dpkg for malicious software
- Rootkit detection techniques and filesystem integrity checks
- Reviewing sudo usage and privilege escalation events
- Analysing system calls and auditd logs (audit rules and log parsing)
- Timeline reconstruction using log timestamps and file metadata
Module 6: Network Forensic Investigation - Collecting and analysing network packet captures (PCAP files)
- Using tcpdump and Wireshark for traffic inspection
- Identifying command and control (C2) traffic patterns
- Detecting DNS tunneling and data exfiltration over DNS
- Analysing HTTP and HTTPS traffic for malicious payloads
- Decoding SSL/TLS when keys are available
- Tracking lateral movement via SMB, RDP, and WinRM traffic
- Identifying beaconing behaviour and persistence mechanisms
- Mapping attacker infrastructure using IP addresses and domains
- Correlating network flows with host-based evidence
- NetFlow and IPFIX analysis for summarised traffic patterns
- Detecting port scanning and reconnaissance activities
- Analysing email protocols: SMTP, POP3, IMAP for phishing artefacts
- Extracting attachments and URLs from network traffic
- Network timeline synchronisation across distributed systems
Module 7: Malware Analysis Fundamentals - Difference between static and dynamic malware analysis
- Setting up isolated analysis environments (lab-in-a-box)
- Static analysis: file hashing, strings extraction, entropy analysis
- Analysing PE headers and import tables for suspicious functions
- Using VirusTotal and hybrid-analysis.com for threat intelligence
- Identifying packers, obfuscation, and anti-analysis techniques
- Dynamic analysis: monitoring file, registry, and network activity
- Using Cuckoo Sandbox and other automation tools
- Extracting configuration data from malware binaries
- Identifying persistence mechanisms: registry keys, services, scheduled tasks
- Detecting privilege escalation and defence evasion tactics
- Analysing lateral movement capabilities in malware
- Reporting findings in a standardised format
- Attribution indicators and threat actor pattern matching
- Integrating malware analysis into broader incident timelines
Module 8: Memory Forensics and Volatile Data Analysis - Understanding volatile memory architecture and acquisition
- Tools for memory capture: FTK Imager, Belkasoft Live RAM Capturer
- Analysing memory dumps with Volatility Framework
- Identifying running processes and hidden malware
- Detecting process injection: DLL injection, hollowing, APC injection
- Recovering command-line arguments and environment variables
- Extracting network connections and sockets from memory
- Identifying suspicious drivers and kernel modules
- Analysing clipboard contents and user session data
- Recovering browser history and cached credentials from RAM
- Detecting LSASS memory dumping and credential theft
- Analysing Active Directory authentication tokens
- Mapping process trees for attack chain visualisation
- Timeline alignment between memory, disk, and network data
- Memory artefact validation for legal defensibility
Module 9: Cloud and Virtual Environment Forensics - Challenges in cloud-based incident response
- Shared responsibility model and forensic limitations
- AWS forensic data sources: CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs, S3 access logs
- Azure forensic data: Azure Activity Logs, NSG Flow Logs, Sentinel
- GCP forensic sources: Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, SCC
- Acquiring virtual machine snapshots and disk images
- Analysing container logs: Docker, Kubernetes event logs
- Serverless function logs and execution traces
- Using API call logs to trace attacker actions
- Time correlation across geographically distributed services
- Incident response in multi-account and multi-region environments
- Forensic readiness configurations in cloud providers
- Automated evidence collection using Lambda, Functions, Cloud Run
- Third-party cloud forensic tools and integrations
- Legal considerations for cross-border data access
Module 10: Mobile Device Forensics - Differences between iOS and Android forensic approaches
- Physical vs logical extraction methods
- Using UFED, Cellebrite, and open-source tools
- iOS backup analysis: iTunes and iCloud backups
- Analysing SMS, call logs, iMessage, and WhatsApp artefacts
- Location data: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell tower triangulation
- Application-specific forensic data: social media, email, cloud apps
- Browser history and cached data analysis on mobile devices
- Analysing geotagged photos and metadata
- Identifying app installation and deletion history
- Rooting and jailbreaking implications for evidence admissibility
- Encryption challenges on modern mobile platforms
- Passcode bypass techniques and legal restrictions
- Timeline reconstruction using mobile activity logs
- Correlating mobile data with other forensic sources
Module 11: Email and Communication Forensics - Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Difference between static and dynamic malware analysis
- Setting up isolated analysis environments (lab-in-a-box)
- Static analysis: file hashing, strings extraction, entropy analysis
- Analysing PE headers and import tables for suspicious functions
- Using VirusTotal and hybrid-analysis.com for threat intelligence
- Identifying packers, obfuscation, and anti-analysis techniques
- Dynamic analysis: monitoring file, registry, and network activity
- Using Cuckoo Sandbox and other automation tools
- Extracting configuration data from malware binaries
- Identifying persistence mechanisms: registry keys, services, scheduled tasks
- Detecting privilege escalation and defence evasion tactics
- Analysing lateral movement capabilities in malware
- Reporting findings in a standardised format
- Attribution indicators and threat actor pattern matching
- Integrating malware analysis into broader incident timelines
Module 8: Memory Forensics and Volatile Data Analysis - Understanding volatile memory architecture and acquisition
- Tools for memory capture: FTK Imager, Belkasoft Live RAM Capturer
- Analysing memory dumps with Volatility Framework
- Identifying running processes and hidden malware
- Detecting process injection: DLL injection, hollowing, APC injection
- Recovering command-line arguments and environment variables
- Extracting network connections and sockets from memory
- Identifying suspicious drivers and kernel modules
- Analysing clipboard contents and user session data
- Recovering browser history and cached credentials from RAM
- Detecting LSASS memory dumping and credential theft
- Analysing Active Directory authentication tokens
- Mapping process trees for attack chain visualisation
- Timeline alignment between memory, disk, and network data
- Memory artefact validation for legal defensibility
Module 9: Cloud and Virtual Environment Forensics - Challenges in cloud-based incident response
- Shared responsibility model and forensic limitations
- AWS forensic data sources: CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs, S3 access logs
- Azure forensic data: Azure Activity Logs, NSG Flow Logs, Sentinel
- GCP forensic sources: Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, SCC
- Acquiring virtual machine snapshots and disk images
- Analysing container logs: Docker, Kubernetes event logs
- Serverless function logs and execution traces
- Using API call logs to trace attacker actions
- Time correlation across geographically distributed services
- Incident response in multi-account and multi-region environments
- Forensic readiness configurations in cloud providers
- Automated evidence collection using Lambda, Functions, Cloud Run
- Third-party cloud forensic tools and integrations
- Legal considerations for cross-border data access
Module 10: Mobile Device Forensics - Differences between iOS and Android forensic approaches
- Physical vs logical extraction methods
- Using UFED, Cellebrite, and open-source tools
- iOS backup analysis: iTunes and iCloud backups
- Analysing SMS, call logs, iMessage, and WhatsApp artefacts
- Location data: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell tower triangulation
- Application-specific forensic data: social media, email, cloud apps
- Browser history and cached data analysis on mobile devices
- Analysing geotagged photos and metadata
- Identifying app installation and deletion history
- Rooting and jailbreaking implications for evidence admissibility
- Encryption challenges on modern mobile platforms
- Passcode bypass techniques and legal restrictions
- Timeline reconstruction using mobile activity logs
- Correlating mobile data with other forensic sources
Module 11: Email and Communication Forensics - Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Challenges in cloud-based incident response
- Shared responsibility model and forensic limitations
- AWS forensic data sources: CloudTrail, VPC Flow Logs, S3 access logs
- Azure forensic data: Azure Activity Logs, NSG Flow Logs, Sentinel
- GCP forensic sources: Cloud Audit Logs, VPC Flow Logs, SCC
- Acquiring virtual machine snapshots and disk images
- Analysing container logs: Docker, Kubernetes event logs
- Serverless function logs and execution traces
- Using API call logs to trace attacker actions
- Time correlation across geographically distributed services
- Incident response in multi-account and multi-region environments
- Forensic readiness configurations in cloud providers
- Automated evidence collection using Lambda, Functions, Cloud Run
- Third-party cloud forensic tools and integrations
- Legal considerations for cross-border data access
Module 10: Mobile Device Forensics - Differences between iOS and Android forensic approaches
- Physical vs logical extraction methods
- Using UFED, Cellebrite, and open-source tools
- iOS backup analysis: iTunes and iCloud backups
- Analysing SMS, call logs, iMessage, and WhatsApp artefacts
- Location data: GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell tower triangulation
- Application-specific forensic data: social media, email, cloud apps
- Browser history and cached data analysis on mobile devices
- Analysing geotagged photos and metadata
- Identifying app installation and deletion history
- Rooting and jailbreaking implications for evidence admissibility
- Encryption challenges on modern mobile platforms
- Passcode bypass techniques and legal restrictions
- Timeline reconstruction using mobile activity logs
- Correlating mobile data with other forensic sources
Module 11: Email and Communication Forensics - Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Analysing email headers for spoofing and phishing detection
- Tracing message path using Received: fields and timestamps
- Identifying disguised sender addresses and display name spoofing
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC verification for email authenticity
- Extracting attachments and embedded links from messages
- Analysing Outlook PST and OST files
- Recovering deleted emails from Exchange and Office 365
- Forensic analysis of M365 audit logs and mailbox activity
- Inspecting Google Workspace logs for suspicious actions
- Analysing instant messaging platforms: Teams, Slack, Zoom
- Extracting message history and file transfers from collaboration tools
- Identifying insider threats through communication patterns
- Time correlation of messages with system events
- Keyword and phrase searches across large email repositories
- Reporting communication findings for legal and compliance use
Module 12: Timeline Forensics and Attack Reconstruction - Principles of digital timeline construction
- Combining data from disk, memory, network, and logs
- Normalising timestamps across time zones and systems
- Using Plaso and log2timeline for automated timeline generation
- Analysing file creation, modification, and access sequences
- Mapping user logon and session activity over time
- Correlating process execution with network connections
- Identifying anomalies in expected behaviour patterns
- Visualising attack timelines with sequence diagrams
- Determining time of compromise and dwell time
- Distinguishing attacker actions from legitimate activity
- Linking initial access vectors to persistence and exfiltration
- Building a legally defensible chronology of events
- Using timelines in regulatory and legal reporting
- Automating timeline updates during ongoing investigations
Module 13: Reporting, Documentation, and Legal Compliance - Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Structuring forensic and incident reports for technical and executive audiences
- Executive summary best practices: clarity, brevity, impact
- Technical appendices: including chain of custody, hash values, tool outputs
- Using standard reporting frameworks: NIST, SANS, ISO
- Drafting clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations
- Ensuring objectivity and avoiding speculation in reports
- Preparing evidence for legal admissibility
- Understanding Daubert and Frye standards for expert testimony
- Working with legal counsel during investigations
- GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, and SOX compliance implications
- Reporting breach notifications within regulatory deadlines
- Demonstrating due diligence in response actions
- Version control and audit trails for report edits
- Redacting sensitive information before external sharing
- Archiving reports and evidence for long-term retention
Module 14: Advanced Incident Response Scenarios - Responding to ransomware attacks: containment, decryption, recovery
- APT detection and long-term threat hunting
- Insider threat investigations and employee misconduct
- Phishing campaign analysis and source tracking
- Web application attack investigations: SQLi, XSS, file upload
- Database breach response and data loss assessment
- Supply chain compromise investigations
- Zero-day exploitation detection and response
- Advanced anti-forensics techniques and how to counter them
- Covering tracks: log deletion, time stomping, rootkits
- Steganography detection and hidden data extraction
- Cryptocurrency-related incident response
- Dark web marketplace monitoring for stolen data
- Critical infrastructure and ICS/SCADA incident response
- Post-incident recovery and system rebuild validation
Module 15: Integration, Certification, and Career Advancement - Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery
- Integrating forensic practices into daily security operations
- Building a personal forensic toolkit and playbook library
- Creating reusable investigation templates and checklists
- Automating repetitive forensic tasks with scripting
- Preparing for advanced certifications: GCFA, GREM, EnCE
- Building a professional portfolio of anonymised case studies
- Networking with digital forensics communities and forums
- Contributing to open-source forensic tools and research
- Presenting findings to executives and board members
- Documenting ROI of forensic readiness initiatives
- Using The Art of Service Certificate of Completion in job applications
- Highlighting practical skills in performance reviews and promotions
- Transitioning into forensic analyst, IR lead, or SOC manager roles
- Continuing education pathways and threat intelligence feeds
- Final assessment and certification of mastery