Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)

In this Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) course, you'll learn:

DFIR Foundations

• Introduction to DFIR
  • Key concepts and terminology
  • Distinction and integration of digital forensics and incident response
  • DFIR's role within cybersecurity operations and organizational resilience
  • Overview of common threat vectors and attack types
• Legal and Ethical Framework
  • Relevant laws and regulations
  • Ethical principles
• Evidence Handling and Chain of Custody
  • Best Practices
  • Chain of custody
  • Data integrity

Digital Forensics Procedures and Techniques

• Forensic data acquisition
  • Imaging methods (logical, physical, targeted)
  • Using write-blockers and other protective tools
  • Validating images with cryptographic hashing
  • Evidence storage and management
• Operating System Forensics
  • File systems (NTFS, FAT32, ext4, APFS, etc.)
  • Windows artifacts (registry keys, event logs, jump lists, shellbags)
  • Linux and macOS artifacts and system logs
  • User activity reconstruction
• Volatile Data and Memory Forensics
  • Memory Acquisition: Techniques and tools for capturing the contents of volatile memory (RAM)
  • Memory Analysis: Using tools (e.g., Volatility) to find evidence of malicious activity
• Network Forensics
  • Packet capture analysis (PCAP) and common tools (Wireshark, Zeek)
  • Network logs: firewalls, IDS/IPS, proxies, VPNs
  • Identifying anomalous traffic patterns and lateral movement
• Cloud and Mobile Forensics
  • Cloud service provider models and forensic implications
  • Investigation strategies for AWS, Azure, GCP environments
  • Logs and artifacts in virtualized and containerized systems
  • Mobile forensics - logical vs. physical acquisition of mobile devices

Incident Response Lifecycle and Practice

• Incident Response Planning & Preparation
  • IR Plan Development
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Security Baselines
  • Escalation paths and coordination
• The Six Phases of Incident Response (NIST SP 800-61 framework)
  • Preparation: Policies, tools, and readiness
  • Identification: Detecting and triaging incidents
  • Containment: Short-term and long-term containment strategies
  • Eradication: Eliminating the root cause and artifacts
  • Recovery: Restoring systems and monitoring
  • Lessons Learned: Debriefing and improving processes
• Malware Analysis
  • Introduction to static and dynamic analysis
  • Basic reverse engineering concepts
  • Understanding malware behaviors, persistence, and capabilities
  • Sandbox usage and safety considerations
• Threat Intelligence
  • Internal vs. external intelligence sources
  • Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
  • Threat hunting methodologies
• Incident Simulation and Tabletop Exercises
  • Designing realistic scenarios
  • After-action reviews and performance evaluations

Analysis, Documentation, and Communication

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Remediation
  • Tracing the origin, vector, and full scope of the attack
  • Developing effective and complete remediation strategies to prevent recurrence
• Documentation, Timelines, and Case Notes
  • Detailed Records
  • Timeline Creation
• Forensic Report Writing
  • Report Structure
  • Audience Tailoring
• Presentation of Findings and Expert Testimony
  • Effective Communication for stakeholders.
  • Preparing for potential courtroom testimony