FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis
- Contents | Additional Info
- Delivery Methods:
Live | Online
FOR408 (FOR500) has the depth and breadth of knowledge shared by the instructor and contents of the lab make it necessary to take the course. Very impressive!
Best forensics class I have had yet (and pretty much the only one that gives you some sort of framework on HOW to attack an exam).
Master Windows Forensics - "You Can't Protect What You Don't Know About."
All organizations must prepare for cyber-crime occurring on their computer systems and within their networks. Demand has never been greater for analysts who can investigate crimes such as fraud, insider threats, industrial espionage, employee misuse, and computer intrusions. Government agencies increasingly require trained media exploitation specialists to recover vital intelligence from Windows systems. To help solve these cases, SANS is training a new cadre of the world's best digital forensic professionals, incident responders, and media exploitation experts capable of piecing together what happened on computer systems second by second.
FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis focuses on building in-depth digital forensics knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems. You can't protect what you don't know about, and understanding forensic capabilities and artifacts is a core component of information security. You will learn how to recover, analyze, and authenticate forensic data on Windows systems, track particular user activity on your network, and organize findings for use in incident response, internal investigations, and civil/criminal litigation. You will be able to use your new skills to validate security tools, enhance vulnerability assessments, identify insider threats, track hackers, and improve security policies. Whether you know it or not, Windows is silently recording an unbelievable amount of data about you and your users. FOR500 teaches you how to mine this mountain of data.
Proper analysis requires real data for students to examine. The completely updated FOR500 course trains digital forensic analysts through a series of new hands-on laboratory exercises that incorporate evidence found on the latest Microsoft technologies (Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, Office and Office365, cloud storage, SharePoint, Exchange, Outlook). Students leave the course armed with the latest tools and techniques and prepared to investigate even the most complicated systems they might encounter. Nothing is left out - attendees learn to analyze everything from legacy Windows 7 systems to just-discovered Windows 10 artifacts.
- FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis will teach you to:
- Conduct in-depth forensic analysis of Windows operating systems and media exploitation focusing on Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008/2012/2016
- Identify artifact and evidence locations to answer critical questions, including application execution, file access, data theft, external device usage, cloud services, geolocation, file download, anti-forensics, and detailed system usage
- Focus your capabilities on analysis instead of on how to use a particular tool
- Extract critical answers and build an in-house forensic capability via a variety of free, open-source, and commercial tools provided within the SANS Windows SIFT Workstation
FOR500 is continually updated. The course uses an intellectual property theft and corporate espionage case that took over six months to create. You work in the real world, so your training should include real-world practice data. Our instructor development team used incidents from their own investigations and experiences to create an incredibly rich and detailed scenario designed to immerse students in an actual investigation. The case demonstrates the latest artifacts and technologies an investigator might encounter while analyzing Windows systems. The detailed workbook shows step-by-step the tools and techniques that each investigator should employ to solve a forensic case.
Windows Forensics Course Topics:
- Windows Operating Systems Focus (Win7, Win8/8.1, Windows 10, Server 2008/2012/2016)
- Windows File Systems (NTFS, FAT, exFAT)
- Advanced Evidence Acquisition Tools and Techniques
- Registry Forensics
- Shell Item Forensics
- Shortcut Files (LNK) - Evidence of File Opening
- Shellbags - Evidence of Folder Opening
- JumpLists - Evidence of File Opening/Program Exec
- Windows Artifact Analysis
- Facebook, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo Chat and Webmail Analysis
- E-Mail Forensics (Host, Server, Web)
- Microsoft Office Document Analysis
- Windows Recycle Bin Analysis
- File and Picture Metadata Tracking and Examination
- Prefetch Analysis
- Event Log File Analysis
- Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer Browser Forensics
- Deleted Registry Key and File Recovery
- String Searching and File Carving
- Examination of Cases Involving Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows 10
- Media Analysis and Exploitation involving:
- Tracking user communications using a Windows PC (e-mail, chat, IM, webmail)
- Identifying if and how the suspect downloaded a specific file to the PC
- Determining the exact time and number of times a suspect executed a program
- Showing when any file was first and last opened by a suspect
- Determining if a suspect had knowledge of a specific file
- Showing the exact physical location of the system
- Tracking and analysis of external and USB devices
- Showing how the suspect logged on to the machine via the console, RDP, or network
- Recovering and examining browser artifacts, even those used in a private browsing mode
- Discovering utilization of anti-forensics, including file wiping, time manipulation, and program removal
- The Course Is Fully Updated to Include Latest Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and Server 2008/2012/2016 Techniques
Notice:
For multi-course live training events, there will be a set up time from 8:30-9:00 am on the first day only to make sure that computers are configured correctly to make the most of class time. All students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Course Syllabus
FOR500.1: Windows Digital Forensics And Advanced Data Triage
Overview
The Windows Forensic Analysis course starts with an examination of digital forensics in today's interconnected environments and discusses challenges associated with mobile devices, tablets, cloud storage, and modern Windows operating systems. We will discuss how modern hard drives, such as Solid State Devices (SSD), can affect the digital forensics acquisition process and how analysts need to adapt to overcome the introduction of these new technologies.
Hard drive sizes are increasingly difficult to handle appropriately in digital cases. Being able to acquire data in an efficient and forensically sound manner is crucial to every investigator today. Most fundamental analysts can easily image a hard drive using a write blocker. In this course, we will review the core techniques while introducing new triage-based acquisition and extraction capabilities that will increase the speed and efficiency of the acquisition process. We will demonstrate how to acquire memory, the NTFS MFT, Windows logs, Registry, and critical files that will take minutes to acquire instead of the hours or days currently spent on acquisition.
We will also begin processing our collected evidence using stream-based and file-carving-based extraction capabilities that employ both commercial and open-source tools and techniques. Seasoned investigators will need to know how to target the specific data they need to begin to answer fundamental questions in their cases.
Exercises
- Install the Windows SIFT Workstation and get an orientation about its operations
- Image a hard drive for evidence using a Wiebetech Ultradock Write Blocker
- Undertake advanced triage-based acquisition and imaging - rapid acquisition
- Mount acquired disk images and evidence
- Carve key office files from free space, add prefetch signature, and carve for prefetch files
- Recover critical user data from the pagefile, memory images, and unallocated space
- Recover chat sessions, Web-based e-mail, social networking, and private browsing
CPE/CMU Credits: 6
Topics
- Windows Operating System Components
- Key Differences in Windows Versions
- Windows 7 and Higher
- Microsoft Server Variations
- Core Forensic Principles
- Analysis Focus
- Key Questions
- Determining Your Scope
- Live Response and Triage-Based Acquisition Techniques
- RAM Acquisition
- Registry Extraction
- Creating Custom Content Images
- Triage-Based Forensics - Fast Forensic Acquisition - Key Files
- Following the Order of Volatility
- Triage via Custom Content Extraction
- Acquisition Review with Write Blocker
- Advanced Acquisition Challenges
- Detecting Encrypted Drives
- SSD vs. Standard Platter-Based Hard Drives
- SSD Acquisition Concerns
- Windows Image Mounting and Examination
- NTFS File System Overview
- Document and File Metadata
- File Carving
- Principles of data carving
- Loss of file System Metadata
- File Carving Tools
- Custom carving signatures
- Memory, Pagefile, and Unallocated Space Analysis
- Artifact Recovery and Examination
- Facebook Live, MSN Messenger, Yahoo, AIM, GoogleTalk Chat
- IE8-11, Edge, Firefox, Chrome InPrivate/Recovery URLs
- Yahoo, Hotmail, G-Mail, Webmail, E-Mail
FOR500.2: Core Windows Forensics Part I: Windows Registry Forensics And Analysis
Overview
Our journey continues with the Windows Registry, where the digital forensic investigator will learn how to discover critical user and system information pertinent to almost any investigation. Each examiner will learn how to navigate and examine the Registry to obtain user profile data and system data. The course teaches forensic investigators how to prove that a specific user performed keyword searches, ran specific programs, opened and saved files, perused folders, and used removable devices.
Throughout the section, investigators will use their skills in a real hands-on case, exploring the evidence and analyzing evidence.
Exercises
- Profile a computer system using evidence found in the Registry
- Profile a user's activities using evidence found in the Registry
- Examine which programs a user recently executed by examining the UserAssist key in the registry
- Determine which files a user recently opened via the RecentDocs keys in the registry
- Examine recently opened Office 365 files and determine first/last open times
- Find folders recently accessed by a user via the Open/Save keys in the registry
CPE/CMU Credits: 6
Topics
- Registry Forensics In-Depth
- Registry Core
- Hives, Keys, and Values
- Registry Last Write Time
- MRU Lists
- Deleted Registry Key Recovery
- Profile Users and Groups
- Discover Usernames and the SID Mapped to Them
- Last Login
- Last Failed Login
- Login Count
- Password Policy
- Core System Information
- Identify Current Control Set
- System Name and Version
- Timezone
- Local IP Address Information
- Wireless/Wired/3G Networks
- Geolocation of PC Network History
- Network Shares and Offline Caching
- Last Shutdown Time
- User Forensic Data
- Evidence of Program Execution
- Evidence of File Downloads
- Evidence of File and Folder Access (Shellbag)
- Office and Office 365 File History Analysis
- Windows 7, Windows 8 - Windows 10 Search History
- Typed Paths and Directories
- Recent Documents (RecentDocs)
- Open-> Save/Run Dialog Boxes Evidence
- Application Execution History via UserAssist Keys
- Tools Used
- Registry Explorer
- TZWork's CAFAE and YARU (Yet Another Registry Utility)
FOR500.3: Core Windows Forensics Part II: Usb Devices And Shell Items
Overview
Being able to show the first and last time a file or folder was opened is a critical analysis skill. Utilizing shortcut (LNK), jump list, and Shellbag databases through the examination of SHELL ITEMS, we can quickly pinpoint which file or folder was opened and when. The knowledge obtained by examining SHELL ITEMS is crucial in tracking user activity in intellectual property theft cases internally or in tracking hackers.
Removable storage device investigations are often an essential part of performing digital forensics. We will show you how to perform in-depth USB device examinations on Windows 7-10. You will learn how to determine when a storage device was first and last plugged in, its vendor/make/model, and even the unique serial number of the device used.
Exercises
- Track USB and BYOD devices that were connected to the system via the Registry and file system
- Determine first and last connected times of USB devices that are plugged into your system
- Determine last removal time of USB devices that are plugged into your system
- Use Shortcut (LNK) file analysis to determine first/last times a file was opened
- Use Shellbag Registry Key Analysis to determine when a folder was accessed
- Use a jump list examination to determine when files were accessed by specific programs
- Unlock BitLocker-To-Go encrypted USB devices
CPE/CMU Credits: 6
Topics
- Shell Item Forensics
- Link/Shortcut Files (.lnk) - Evidence of File Opening
- Win7/Win10 Jump Lists - Evidence of File Opening and Program Execution
- ShellBag Analysis - Evidence of Folder Opening
- USB and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Forensic Examinations
- Vendor/Make/Version
- Unique Serial Number
- Last Drive Letter
- MountPoints2 - Last Drive Mapping Per User
- Volume Name and Serial Number
- Username that Used the USB Device
- Time of First USB Device Connection
- Time of Last USB Device Connection
- Time of Last USB Device Removal
- BYOD Device Forensics
- Bitlocker-To-Go Encrypted USB Devices
FOR500.4: Core Windows Forensics Part III: E-Mail, Key Additional Artifacts, And Event Logs
Overview
Depending on the type of investigation and authorization, a wealth of evidence can be unearthed through the analysis of e-mail files. Recovered e-mail can bring excellent corroborating information to an investigation, and its informality often provides very incriminating evidence. It is common for users to have an e-mail that exists locally on their workstation, on their company e-mail server, in the private cloud, and in multiple webmail accounts.
Additional artifacts such as Windows prefetch and appcompatcache data are paramount to proving evidence of execution. Also, the System Resource Usage Monitor (SRUM), one of the newest digital artifacts, can help determine several important user actions even after execution of counter-forensic programs.
Finally, Windows event log analysis has solved more cases than possibly any other type of analysis. Understanding the locations and content of these files is crucial to the success of any investigator. Many researchers overlook these records because they do not have adequate knowledge or tools to get the job done. This last part of the section will arm each investigator with the core knowledge and capability to maintain this crucial skill for many years to come.
Exercises
- Employ best-of-breed forensic tools to search for relevant e-mail and file attachments in large data sets
- Understand key concepts like e-mail object filtering, de-duplication, and message similarity
- Learn to use Nuix, a world-class e-mail forensics and e-discovery tool
- Use forensic software to recover deleted objects from e-mail archives
- Perform data visualization and timeline analysis
- Analyze document metadata present in e-mail archives
- Do recycle bin analysis
- Analyze Windows Prefetch files to determine up to nine previous times of execution
- Analysis of the System Resource Usage Monitor (SRUM)
- Merge event logs and perform advanced filtering
- Profile account usage and determine logon session length
- Identify evidence of time manipulation on a system
- Supplement registry analysis with BYOD device auditing
- Analyze historical records of wireless network associations and geolocate a device
CPE/CMU Credits: 6
Topics
- E-mail Forensics
- Evidence of User Communication
- How E-Mail Works
- E-Mail Header Examination
- Determining a Sender's Geographic Location
- Types of E-Mail Formats
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web-Based Mail
- Microsoft Exchange and Office 365
- Lotus Notes
- Exchange Recoverable Items
- Exchange Evidence Acquisition and Mail Export
- Exchange Compliance Search and eDiscovery
- Recovering Deleted E-Mails
- The Web and Cloud-Based E-mail
- E-Mail Searching and Examination
- Forensicating Additional Windows OS Artifacts
- Windows Search Index Forensics
- Extensible Storage Engine (ESE) Database Recovery and Repair
- Thumbs.db and Thumbscache Files
- Windows Prefetch Analysis (XP,Windows 7 - Windows 10)
- Windows Recycle Bin Analysis (XP,Windows 7 - Windows 10)
- AppCompatCache Analysis (Shimcache and Amcache.hve)
- System Resource Usage Monitor (SRUM)
- Connected Networks, Duration, and Bandwidth Usage
- Applications Run and Bytes Sent/Received Per Application
- Appllication Push Notifications
- Energy Usage
- Windows Event Log Analysis
- Which Windows Events Matter to a Digital Forensic Investigator
- EVTX and EVT Log Files
- Track Account Usage including RDP, Brute Force Password Attacks, and Rogue Local Account Usage
- Audit and Analyze File and Folder Access
- Prove System Time Manipulation
- Track Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and External Devices
- Geo-locate a Device via Event Logs
FOR500.5: Core Windows Forensics Part IV: Web Browser Forensics - Firefox, Internet Explorer, And Chrome
Overview
With the increasing use of the Web and the shift toward Web-based applications and cloud computing, browser forensic analysis is a critical skill. During this section, the investigator will comprehensively explore Web browser evidence created during the use of Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome. The hands-on skills taught here, such as SQLite and ESE database parsing, allow investigators to extend these methods to nearly any browser they encounter. The analyst will learn how to examine every significant artifact stored by the browser, including cookies, visit and download history, Internet cache files, browser extensions, and form data. We will show you how to find these records and identify the common mistakes investigators make when interpreting browser artifacts. You will also learn how to analyze some of the more obscure browser artifacts such as session restore, tracking cookies, and private browsing remnants.
Throughout the section, investigators will use their skills in real hands-on cases, exploring evidence created by Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer correlated with other Windows Operating System artifacts.
Exercises
- Track a suspect'sactivity in browser history and cache files and identify local file access
- Analyze artifacts found within the Extensible Storage Engine (ESE) database format
- Examine which files a suspect downloaded
- Determine URLs that suspects typed, clicked on, bookmarked, or merely popped up while they were browsing
- Parse automatic crash recovery files to reconstruct previous browser sessions
- Leverage Google Analytics cookies to profile user behaviors
- Learn to manually parse SQLite databases from Firefox and Chrome
- Identify anti-forensics activity and find private browsing sessions
- Investigate browser auto-complete data
CPE/CMU Credits: 6
Topics
- Browser Forensics
- History
- Cache
- Searches
- Downloads
- Understanding Browser Timestamps
- Internet Explorer
- IE Key Forensic File Locations
- History files: Index.dat and WebCache.dat
- Cache Index.dat Timestamps
- Win8 Metro UI Applications
- Download History
- InPrivate Browsing Artifact Recovery
- Internet Explorer Tab Recovery Folder Analysis
- Browser, Tab, History Synchronization
- Firefox
- Firefox Artifact Locations
- Mork Format and SQLite Files
- Download History
- Cache Examinations
- Typed URLs
- Form History
- Private Browsing Mode
- Session Recovery
- Firefox Extensions
- Chrome
- Chrome File Locations
- History Information and Page Transition Types
- Chrome Timestamps
- Cache Examinations
- Download History
- Examination of Browser Artifacts
- Super Cookies
- Flash Cookie Files
- DOM and Web Storage Objects
- Google Analytics Cookies
- Tools Used
- Nirsoft Tools
- Woanware ChromeForensics
- SQLite Manager
- ESEDatabaseView
- Hindsight
FOR500.6: Windows Forensic Challenge
Overview
Nothing will prepare you more as an investigator than a full hands-on challenge that requires you to use the skills and knowledge presented throughout the week. In the morning, you will have the option to work in teams on a real forensic case. Students will be provided evidence to analyze, and the exercise will step you through the entire case flow, including proper acquisition, analysis, and reporting in preparation for a possible trial. Teams will work on the case with the objective of profiling computer usage and discovering critical pieces of evidence to present during the trial.
This complex case will involve an investigation into one of the most recent versions of the Windows Operating System. The evidence is real and provides the most realistic training opportunity currently available. Solving the case will require that students use all of the skills gained from each of the previous sections.
The section will conclude with a mock trial involving presentations of the evidence collected. The team with the best in-class presentation and short write-up wins the challenge...and the case!
Exercises
- Windows 7/10 Forensic Challenge
CPE/CMU Credits: 6
Topics
- Digital Forensic Case
- Analysis
- Following evidence analysis methods discussed throughout the week, find critical evidence.
- Examine registry, e-mail, recovered files, and more.
- Reporting
- Focus and submit the top three pieces of evidence discovered and discuss what they prove factually.
- Document one of the submitted pieces of evidence for potential examination during the mock trial.
- Presentation
- Each team will be asked to prepare an:
- Executive Summary
- Short Presentation
- Conclusion
- The team voted to have the best argument and presentation proving their case will win the challenge.
Additional Information
Laptop Required
!!IMPORTANT - BRING YOUR OWN SYSTEM CONFIGURED USING THESE DIRECTIONS!!
A properly configured system is required for each student participating in this course. Before coming to class, carefully read and follow these instructions exactly.
You can use any 64-bit version of Windows, Mac OSX, or Linux as your core operating system that also can install and run VMware virtualization products. You also must have a minimum of 8 GB of RAM or higher for the VM to function properly in the class.
It is critical that your CPU and operating system support 64-bit so that our 64-bit guest virtual machine will run on your laptop. VMware provides a free tool for Windows and Linux that will detect whether or not your host supports 64-bit guest virtual machines. For further troubleshooting, this article also provides good instructions for Windows users to determine more about the CPU and OS capabilities. For Macs, please use this support page from Apple to determine 64-bit capability.
Please download and install VMware Workstation 12, VMware Fusion 8, or VMware Player 12 or higher versions on your system prior to class beginning. If you do not own a licensed copy of VMware Workstation or Fusion, you can download a free 30-day trial copy from VMware. VMware will send you a time-limited serial number if you register for the trial at their website.
MANDATORY FOR500 SYSTEM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS:
- CPU: 64-bit Intel i5/i7 (4th generation+) - x64 bit 2.0+ GHz processor or more recent processor is mandatory for this class (Important - Please Read: a 64-bit system processor is mandatory)
- 8 GB (Gigabytes) of RAM or higher is mandatory for this class (Important - Please Read: 8 GB of RAM or higher of RAM is mandatory and minimum. For best experience 16GB of RAM is recommended.)
- Wireless 802.11 Capability
- USB 3.0
- 250+ Gigabyte Host System Hard Drive minimum
- 200 Gigabytes of Free Space on your System Hard Drive - Free Space on Hard Drive is critical to host the VMs we distribute
- Students should have the capability to have Local Administrator Access within their host operating system and BIOS settings
MANDATORY FOR500 SYSTEM SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:
- Host Operating System: Fully patched & updated Windows (7+), Mac OSX (10.10+), or a recent version of Linux operating system (released 2016 or later) that also can install and run VMware virtualization products (VMware Workstation, VMware Fusion, or VMware Player). Please note: It is necessary to fully update your host operating system prior to the class to ensure you have the right drivers and patches installed to utilize the latest USB 3.0 devices. Those who use a Linux host must also be able to access ExFAT partitions using the appropriate kernel or FUSE modules.
Download and install 7Zip
PLEASE INSTALL THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE PRIOR TO CLASS:
- Microsoft Office (any version) w/Excel or OpenOffice w/Calc installed on your host - Note you can download Office Trial Software online (free for 30 days)
- Install VMware Workstation 12, VMware Fusion 8, or VMware Player 12 (more recent versions are also ok)
- Download and install 7Zip on your host
IN SUMMARY, BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE COURSE YOU SHOULD:
- Bring the proper system hardware (64bit/8GB Ram) and operating system configuration
- Install VMware (Workstation, Player, or Fusion), MS Office, and 7zip and make sure it works before class.
If you have additional questions about the laptop specifications, please contact laptop_prep@sans.org.
Who Should Attend
- Information security professionals who want to learn the in-depth concepts of Windows digital forensics investigations.
- Incident response team members who need to use deep-dive digital forensics to help solve their Windows data breach and intrusion cases.
- Law enforcement officers, federal agents, or detectives who want to become a deep subject-matter expert on digital forensics for Windows-based operating systems.
- Media exploitation analysts who need to master tactical exploitation and Document and Media Exploitation (DOMEX) operations on Windows-based systems used by an individual. Attendees will be able to specifically determine how individuals used a system, who they communicated with, and the files that were downloaded, edited, and deleted.
- Anyone interested in a deep understanding of Windows forensics who has a background in information systems, information security, and computers.
Prerequisites
FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis focuses on in-depth analysis of Microsoft Windows operating system and artifacts. There are no prerequisite courses required to take this course. The artifacts and tool agnostic techniques you will learn will lead to the successful analysis of any cyber incident and crime involving a Windows Operating System. Please note: This is an analysis focused course, FOR500 does not cover the basics of evidentiary handling, the "chain of custody", and introductory drive acquisition. Our authors update FOR500 aggressively to stay current with the latest new artifacts and techniques discovered recently. If you are interested in in-depth and current Microsoft Windows operating system forensics and analysis for any incident that occurs - this course is perfect for you. If you have not updated your windows forensic analysis skills in the past 3 years or more, this course is essential for you.
What You Will Receive
- Windows 10 Enterprise version of the SIFT Workstation Virtual Machine with over 200 commercial, open-source, and freeware Digital Forensics and Incident Response tools prebuilt into the environment
- Full version licenses for 90 days:
- A 128 GB USB Key or two 64 GB USB Keys with real-world cases to examine during and after class
- FOR500 Detailed exercise workbook with detailed step-by-step instructions
- Wiebetech Forensic Ultradock v5.5 Write Blocker Kit
- IDE/PATA and SATA Cable Connectors
- FireWire 800, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and eSATA Host Connections
- MP3 audio files of the complete course lecture
You Will Be Able To
- Perform proper Windows forensic analysis by applying key techniques focusing on Windows 7/8/10
- Use full-scale forensic tools and analysis methods to detail nearly every action a suspect accomplished on a Windows system, including who placed an artifact on the system and how, program execution, file/folder opening, geo-location, browser history, profile USB device usage, and more
- Uncover the exact time that a specific user last executed a program through Registry and Windows artifact analysis, and understand how this information can be used to prove intent in cases such as intellectual property theft, hacker-breached systems, and traditional crimes
- Determine the number of times files have been opened by a suspect through browser forensics, shortcut file analysis (LNK), e-mail analysis, and Windows Registry parsing
- Identify keywords searched by a specific user on a Windows system to pinpoint the data and information that the suspect was interested in finding and accomplish detailed damage assessments
- Use Windows Shellbag analysis tools to articulate every folder and directory that a user opened up while browsing local, removable, and network drives
- Determine each time a unique and specific USB device was attached to the Windows system, the files and folders that were accessed on it, and who plugged it in by parsing Windows artifacts such as the Registry and log files
- Learn event log analysis techniques and use them to determine when and how users logged into a Windows system, whether via a remote session, at the keyboard, or simply by unlocking a screensaver
- Determine where a crime was committed using Registry data to pinpoint the geo-location of a system by examining connected networks and wireless access points
- Use browser forensic tools to perform detailed Web browser analysis, parse raw SQLite and ESE databases, and leverage session recovery artifacts and flash cookies to identify the Web activity of suspects, even if privacy cleaners and in-private browsing are used
Press & Reviews
Course Review: SANS FOR500 Windows Forensic Analysis http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/459/24/
Course and GIAC Cert Review: http://www.hecfblog.com/search?q=for500
"The SANS Institute is currently the leader in the commercial IR and computer forensic training market. They have a large number of quality courses." - Luttgens, Jason; Pepe, Matthew; Mandia, Kevin. Incident Response & Computer Forensics, Third Edition - July 2014
"This is a very high-intensity course with extremely current course material that is not available anywhere else in my experience." - Alexander Applegate, Auburn University
"Best forensics class I have had yet (and pretty much the only one that gives you some sort of framework on HOW to attack an exam)." - Det. Juan C. Marquez, Prince William County, Virginia Police Department
"Hands down the BEST forensics class EVER!! Blew my mind at least once a day for 6 days!" - Jason Jones, USAF
"I took SANS FOR500 Windows Forensics and the learning opportunity was second to none. Anyone looking for a first-rate forensics class that you can immediately take back to the real world and apply to their job needs to take at least one class from SANS in their lifetime. Whatever the cost may be to you, if forensics is a career priority to you, then you need to take at least one forensics class from SANS." - Chris Nowell, Information Security Architect, Airlines Reporting Corporation
"As a member of the IR team, this course will aid in investing compromised hosts." - Mike Piclher, URS Corp.
"FOR500 is based on real scenarios that are likely to occur again. The most up-to-date training I have received." - Martin Heyde, UK Ministry of Defence
"Best forensics course I have taken to date. Vast amounts of information." - Ellen Clark, FBI
"Call me a geek, but this is FUN!" - Frank Dixon, The Babcock & Wilcox Company
"Overall the course continues to be chock full of megalicious forensicness. Thanks a bunch for the key knowledge." - Vincent Bryant, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
"If you were not interested in forensics before, you will be after this class. For those who already love it, it is reassurance that you are doing the right thing with your life." - Cleora Madison, Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts
"The Registry labs are invaluable. I learned more in this class about registry than in 10 years at work. Thanks!" - Michael Mimo, JP Morgan
"I was really looking forward to Windows in-depth and that is exactly what we are getting!" - Joshua Hoover, Charles Schwab
"I have been using forensics tools for years. I never professed to know it all; however, I did not expect to learn as much as I did." - Jody Hawkins, Cook Children's Health Care System
"I really appreciate the prebuilt and configured SIFT workstation. The FOR500 class materials and instruction were outstanding." - Clint Modesitt, LSUHSC
"FOR500 is absolutely necessary for any computer forensic type career. Excellent information!" - Rebecca Passmore, FBI
"Before I arrived here, I knew the basics of comp. forensics. After taking this course I feel that if suited with the proper tools, I could handle the task of working a live case." - Anonymous
"This course was by far the most informative and well taught class I have attended." - Brian Periera, Farfield PD
"Love the amount of detail/info in books, love the VM." - Jeff Datzman, Vacaville Police Department
"Best course I have taken in 20 years." - Gary Sanders, LWCC
"The hands-on are excellent - Best I have had in 15 years of forensics classes. The best books as well." - Shawn Bostick, AR AG
"This is by far the best training I have ever had. My forensic knowledge increased more in the last 5 days than in the last year." - Vito Rocco, UNLV
"Are you kidding me? I, personally, see this course (FOR500) as pretty much perfected." - Mike Bowden, Boeing
"There's not a lot of courses that cover depth as well as the width of material. I think FOR500 strikes the right balance between the two." - Wayne Dawson, Vancity Savings Credit Union
"FOR500 has the depth and breadth of knowledge shared by the instructor and contents of the lab make it necessary to take the course. Very impressive!" - Debra Emmanuel, TWD & Associates
Author Statement
After 27 years in law enforcement, three capabilities immediately rise to the top of my list when I think of what makes a great digital forensic analyst: superior technical skill, sound investigative methodology, and the ability to overcome obstacles. SANS FOR500: Windows Forensic Analysis was designed to impart these critical skills to the students. Unlike many other training courses that focus on teaching a single tool, FOR500 provides training on many tools. While there are some exceptional tools available, we feel that all forensic analysts need a variety of tools in their arsenal to be able to pick and choose the best tool for each task. However, we also understand that forensic analysts are not great because of the tool(s) they use, but because they artfully apply the right investigative methodology to each analysis. A carpenter can be a master with all his tools and still not know how to build a house. FOR500 teaches students to apply digital forensic methodologies to a variety of case types and situations, allowing them to apply in the real world the right methodology to achieve the best outcome. Finally, the course teaches and demonstrates the problem-solving skills necessary to be a truly successful forensic analyst. Almost immediately after starting your forensic career, you will learn that each forensic analysis presents its own unique challenges. A technique that worked flawlessly for previous examinations may not work for the next one. A good forensic analyst must be able to overcome obstacles through advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving. FOR500 gives students the foundation to solve future problems, overcome obstacles, and become great forensic analysts. No matter if you are new to the forensic community or have been doing forensics for years, FOR500 is a must-have course.
- Ovie Carroll
Former students have contacted me regularly about how they were able to use their digital forensic skills in very real situations that were part of the nightly news cycle. The skills you learn in this class are used directly to stop evil. Graduates of Windows Forensics are the front-line troops deployed when you need accurate digital forensic and media exploitation analysis. From analyzing terrorist laptops to investigating insider intellectual property theft and fraud, SANS digital forensic graduates are battling and winning the war on crime and terror. Graduates have directly contributed to solving some of the toughest cases out there because they learn how to conduct analysis and run investigations properly. It brings me great comfort knowing that this course places the correct methodology and knowledge in the hands of responders who thwart the plans of criminals or foreign attacks. Graduates are doing just that on a daily basis. I am proud that the SANS FOR500 course helped prepare them to fight and solve crime.
- Rob Lee
Digital forensics has never been more in demand than it is today. Zettabytes of data are created yearly, and forensic examiners will increasingly be called in to separate the wheat from the chaff. For better or worse, digital artifacts are recorded for almost every action, and the bar has been raised for investigators working to repel computer intrusions, stop intellectual property theft, and put bad actors in jail. We wrote this course as the forensics training we wish would have been available early in our careers. Keeping up with the cutting edge of forensics is daunting, but with frequent updates I am confident this course provides the most up-to-date training available, whether you are just starting out or are looking to add new skills to your forensic arsenal.
- Chad Tilbury
Additional Resources
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*CPE/CMU credits not offered for the SelfStudy delivery method
