IT Forensics – Windows

Windows Forensics – An Overview of Our Services and Process

Microsoft Windows is the most widely used desktop operating system in the world. Consequently, Windows systems also frequently play a central role in the investigation of digital matters. Virtually every user action leaves technical traces that can be analysed as part of a professional IT forensic investigation. The aim here is not to confirm assumptions, but to objectively establish technically verifiable facts. Proper Windows forensics provides a robust basis for businesses, solicitors, private individuals and the courts.

Enquire without obligation

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.

Our investigations are conducted in accordance with recognised principles of IT forensics. We place particular emphasis on the admissible preservation of digital evidence, an objective approach to our work, and transparent documentation of all stages of the investigation. Where necessary, modern forensic tools are supplemented by manual analysis in order to independently verify technical findings.

Our services

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.

Typical areas of application

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

How a Windows forensic investigation is carried out

The first step is to define the issues. This is followed by the forensic preservation of the data storage media. Only then does the actual analysis begin, based on relevant Windows artefacts such as the registry, event logs, MFT, USN journal, prefetch or browser data. All findings are correlated, evaluated and finally documented in a comprehensive report. Hash values and comprehensive documentation ensure that the integrity of the evidence can be verified at any time.

Why is professional IT forensics so important?

Improper investigations can alter or even destroy digital evidence. For this reason, once the original evidence has been forensically secured, it is not used for content analysis. The investigation is conducted exclusively on the basis of a forensic copy, the consistency of which with the original is documented by cryptographic hash values. This ensures that the original remains untouched and that all investigative steps can be reproduced and verified at any time. This is an essential prerequisite for the traceability of technical findings, particularly in legal proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Windows forensics appropriate?+
Whenever digital matters need to be objectively clarified or evidence needs to be secured.
Are the original data carriers altered?+
No. The original evidence is not used for the analysis. The examination is carried out exclusively on a forensic copy or a forensic image. The original remains untouched and is stored in a manner that preserves its evidential integrity.
Which artefacts are being examined?+
Depending on the issue, these may include, amongst others, the registry, event logs, MFT, USN journal, Prefetch, and browser and USB artefacts.
Does LanCologne produce expert reports?+
Yes, for businesses, solicitors, private individuals and in the context of court-ordered assignments.

LanCologne – Windows Forensics in Cologne

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.

Get in touch now