WINDOWS FORENSICS
Professional Windows Forensics – Securing and analysing digital evidence to stand up in court
Windows records, in a wide range of logs, which programmes were run, which files were opened, which devices were connected and which accounts were logged in. Windows forensics combines these sources to draw reliable conclusions – whilst recognising its limitations.
Technical background
Technical background
No artefact stands alone: Prefetch shows execution details; Amcache and Shimcache supplement programme traces; LNK files and Jump Lists show file accesses; Shellbags show folder views; SRUM shows resource usage; and the USN journal shows file system changes. It is only by correlating multiple sources that meaningful insights can be gained.
Traces and data sources
Relevant evidence and data sources
- •Registry (NTUSER.DAT, SYSTEM, SOFTWARE, Amcache.hve)
- •Windows Event Logs
- •NTFS metadata: $MFT, USN journal, $LogFile
- •Prefetch, Shimcache, SRUM
- •LNK files, jump lists, shellbags
- •Defender logs and EDR artefacts
Our approach
Here’s how we do it
- •Forensic backup of the system or targeted backup of artefacts.
- •Temporal correlation of the artefacts in relation to the issue in question.
- •Report with references and limitations.
Borders
Borders
- •Not all artefacts are present on every version and configuration of Windows (e.g. Prefetch is disabled by default on Servern).
- •An artefact indicates system activity, but not necessarily a deliberate user action.
Result
Possible results
- •Timeline of operations, file accesses and device connections
- •Assessment for each point of law
TYPICAL QUESTIONS
When is this analysis required?
- ✔Suspected data theft
- ✔Allegations of manipulation
- ✔Labour disputes
- ✔Cyberattacks and Incident Response
- ✔Data protection incidents
- ✔Analysis of potential malware
- ✔Support for legal proceedings
- ✔Private report
LIMITATIONS & CONCLUSION
What you should know
We investigate Windows PCs, laptops and Server devices where there is suspicion of data tampering, data theft, cyber-attacks or malware. Our services include, amongst other things, forensic-grade data backup; the analysis of file systems, the registry, event logs, browser data, USB artefacts and user profiles; and the preparation of comprehensible private expert reports and technical reports for solicitors and courts.
If a Windows environment is affected by a security incident, our overview sets out the steps to be taken: Investigating a cyber incident in a Windows environment.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What our customers say
4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot · 61 reviews
“The highest standards of professionalism, prompt service and excellent communication. They made the seemingly impossible a reality. This is what genuine customer service is all about – unrivalled in Germany!”
idalein
Verified review on Trustpilot
“Very helpful advice, excellent responsiveness and communication. My problem was completely resolved and the lost data was recovered. I’m very satisfied and, of course, relieved!”
Layla Pankratz
Verified review on Trustpilot
“My problem was sorted out professionally and quickly; everyone I spoke to was always friendly, and I can still get in touch if I have any questions – I’m very grateful for that!”
a woman from Cologne
Verified review on Trustpilot
Enquire now – free initial consultation
Do you need assistance in investigating a digital case? LanCologne can help you with the secure preservation of digital evidence to a standard that stands up in court, the analysis of Windows systems, and the preparation of transparent IT forensic reports.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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