IT Forensics – Windows

Forensic analysis of Windows Active Directory artefacts – Technical investigation of domain activity

In many corporate networks, Active Directory serves as the central repository for user accounts, computers, groups, authentication and permissions. Depending on the issue at hand, local and server-side artefacts can provide valuable insights into logins, policies, account changes and security-related events.

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A professional IT forensic investigation never assesses Active Directory artefacts in isolation. Only by correlating them with event logs, registry data, group policies, file system artefacts and other digital traces is it possible to arrive at a reliable technical assessment.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and provide support to businesses, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts.

The examination is carried out exclusively on a forensic copy or a forensic image. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its evidential integrity.

Our services

Analysis of Active Directory artefacts, authentication events, group memberships, policies and security-related configurations, as well as full documentation of all investigation steps.

Typical areas of application

Incident Response
Investigation of compromised domains
Analysis of unauthorised access
Corporate Forensics
Compliance audits
Expert reports for the courts

This is how the analysis works

Once the relevant data has been securely preserved as evidence, Active Directory artefacts are identified, analysed and technically assessed in conjunction with other digital traces.

Why are Active Directory artefacts important?

They enable the reconstruction of authentication, authorisation and administrative changes within a Windows domain and often provide crucial insights during security incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AD artefacts are being investigated?+
Depending on the specific issue, these may include, amongst other things, authentication events, group policies, user and group information, and security-related logs.
Is it possible to reconstruct the chronological sequence of the changes?+
Provided that relevant artefacts exist, many changes can be dated.
Are you working on the original system?+
No. Only a forensic copy or forensic image is analysed.
Are Active Directory artefacts alone sufficient for an expert report?+
No. They are always assessed alongside other digital evidence.

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LanCologne – Windows Forensics in Cologne

LanCologne supports you in carrying out legally admissible analyses of Active Directory artefacts and in the objective evaluation of complex IT forensic investigations.

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