IT Forensics – Windows
Forensic analysis of Windows Prefetch files – identifying evidence of programme execution
Windows Prefetch-Dateien gehören zu den wichtigsten Artefakten einer Windows-forensischen Untersuchung. Sie werden vom Betriebssystem angelegt, um den Start häufig genutzter Programme zu beschleunigen. Gleichzeitig liefern sie wertvolle Informationen darüber, welche Anwendungen auf einem System ausgeführt wurden und wann diese zuletzt gestartet wurden.
Im Rahmen einer professionellen IT-forensischen Untersuchung werden Prefetch-Dateien niemals isoliert betrachtet. Erst die gemeinsame Auswertung mit weiteren Artefakten wie der Windows Registry, den Event Logs, der Master File Table (MFT), dem USN Journal oder LNK-Dateien ermöglicht eine objektive Bewertung der vorhandenen digitalen Spuren.
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 analysis is always 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 Windows prefetch files, reconstruct programme executions, evaluate time-related information and correlate the results with other Windows artefacts. The aim is to produce a verifiable technical reconstruction of relevant user and system activities.
Typical areas of application
So läuft eine Prefetch-forensische Untersuchung ab
Once a forensic image has been created, any existing prefetch files are analysed and compared with other artefacts. The results are placed in chronological order and contextualised within the overall investigation. All stages of the investigation are fully documented.
Warum sind Prefetch-Dateien so wichtig?
Prefetch files often provide valuable clues as to whether and when programmes have been run on a Windows system. However, their significance can only be fully understood through a comprehensive analysis of all relevant artefacts. Individual prefetch entries must therefore not be assessed in isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
LanCologne – Windows Forensics in Cologne
Do you need a professional analysis of Windows prefetch files or other Windows artefacts? LanCologne can assist you with the forensically sound preservation of digital evidence and the objective analysis of complex Windows systems.