IT Forensics – Windows

Forensic analysis of Windows autostart entries – identifying persistence mechanisms

Autostart-Einträge bestimmen, welche Programme beim Start von Windows oder bei der Benutzeranmeldung automatisch ausgeführt werden. Sie gehören zu den wichtigsten Artefakten einer Windows-forensischen Untersuchung, da sie Hinweise auf legitime Anwendungen, unerwünschte Software oder Persistenzmechanismen von Schadsoftware liefern können.

Enquire without obligation

Im Rahmen einer professionellen IT-forensischen Untersuchung werden Autostart-Einträge niemals isoliert bewertet. Erst die Korrelation mit der Windows Registry, Event Logs, Prefetch-Dateien, Amcache, ShimCache sowie weiteren Windows-Artefakten ermöglicht eine belastbare technische Bewertung.

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 assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

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

We analyse registry-based autostart entries, autostart folders, scheduled startup mechanisms and other persistence points. All results are cross-referenced with other digital traces and documented in a transparent manner.

Typical areas of application

•Incident Response
•Analysis of malware
•Investigation of persistence mechanisms
•Reconstruction of system changes
•Employment law proceedings
•Expert reports for the courts

This is how the analysis works

Once a forensic image has been created, all relevant autostart entries are analysed. The results are then correlated with other Windows artefacts and assessed from a technical perspective.

Warum sind Autostart-Einträge wichtig?

They may indicate the existence of permanently installed programmes or tampering with the system. However, their significance can only be determined through a comprehensive analysis of all relevant digital traces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was sind Autostart-Einträge?+
Konfigurationen, durch die Programme beim Systemstart oder bei der Anmeldung automatisch ausgeführt werden.
Is the original system being examined?+
No. Only a forensic copy or forensic image is analysed.
Können Schadprogramme Autostart-Einträge verwenden?+
Ja. Persistenzmechanismen zählen zu den typischen Untersuchungsfeldern einer IT-forensischen Analyse.
Reichen Autostart-Einträge allein für ein Gutachten aus?+
No. They are always analysed alongside other Windows artefacts.

LanCologne – Windows Forensics in Cologne

Do you need a professional analysis of Windows start-up entries or other Windows artefacts? LanCologne can assist you with the forensic preservation of digital evidence and the objective analysis of complex Windows systems.

Get in touch now