Digital Archaeology The Art and Science of Digital Forensics

by Graves, Michael W.

• ISBN13: 9780321803900
• ISBN10: 0321803906
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-08-27
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional

Summary

The Definitive, Up-to-Date Guide to Digital Forensics

 

The rapid proliferation of cyber crime is increasing the demand for digital forensics experts in both law enforcement and in the private sector. In Digital Archaeology, expert practitioner Michael Graves has written the most thorough, realistic, and up-to-date guide to the principles and techniques of modern digital forensics.

 

Graves begins by providing a solid understanding of the legal underpinnings of and critical laws affecting computer forensics, including key principles of evidence and case law. Next, he explains how to systematically and thoroughly investigate computer systems to unearth crimes or other misbehavior, and back it up with evidence that will stand up in court.

 

Drawing on the analogy of archaeological research, Graves explains each key tool and method investigators use to reliably uncover hidden information in digital systems. His detailed demonstrations often include the actual syntax of command-line utilities. Along the way, he presents exclusive coverage of facilities management, a full chapter on the crucial topic of first response to a digital crime scene, and up-to-the-minute coverage of investigating evidence in the cloud.

 

Graves concludes by presenting coverage of important professional and business issues associated with building a career in digital forensics, including current licensing and certification requirements.

 

Topics Covered Include

• Acquiring and analyzing data in ways consistent with forensic procedure
• Recovering and examining e-mail, Web, and networking activity
• Investigating users’ behavior on mobile devices
• Overcoming anti-forensics measures that seek to prevent data capture and analysis
• Performing comprehensive electronic discovery in connection with lawsuits
• Effectively managing cases and documenting the evidence you find
• Planning and building your career in digital forensics

 

Digital Archaeology is a key resource for anyone preparing for a career as a professional investigator; for IT professionals who are sometimes called upon to assist in investigations; and for those seeking an explanation of the processes involved in preparing an effective defense, including how to avoid the legally indefensible destruction of digital evidence.

Author Biography

Michael W. Graves has worked as an IT professional for over fifteen years as a network specialist, a security analyst and most recently as a forensic analyst. He holds a Master of Science in Digital Investigation from Champain College, where he spent several semesters as an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science. His publications include a number of certification manuals for several of the CompTIA certifications, as well as two novels. When not poking around in computers or writing books, he carts around an 8x10 view camera and makes black and white landscape photographs with a nod toward the F64 school of photography.

Table of Contents

Introduction

 

Part One: The Technology and Technique of CFE

1. The Anatomy of a Digital Investigation

2. First Response and the Digital Investigator

3. Data Acquisition

4. Finding "Lost" Files

5. Document Analysis

6. Email Forensics

7. Web Forensics

8. Searching the Network

9. Mobile Devices

10. Fighting Anti-Forensics

 

Part Two: CFE and the Law

11. Laws Affecting CFE

12. Search Warrants and Subpoenas

13. Legislated Privacy Concerns

14. Admissibility of Evidence

15. Litigation and Electronic Discovery

16. Case Management and Report Writing

17. Trial by Flair

 

Part Three: The Business of CFE

18. Tools of the Trade

19. Building Your Own Forensics Workstation

20. Licensing and Certification Requirements

21. Facilities Management