### The Data collection Process

Data Collection in Forensics

Understanding the forensic process is crucial for effective data collection and analysis. The forensic process typically starts with the collection of data, followed by its examination and analysis, and culminates in a report that outlines the findings.

Purpose of Data Collection

In our scenario, we've set up a target system to simulate a forensic investigation. The primary goal is to determine how to extract the necessary data to support our analysis and achieve our objectives. Data collection in forensics involves several key considerations:

1. Data Identification:
   • For our example, we are working with a virtual machine, so the focus is on collecting memory and disk data.
   • In more complex environments, this could include additional evidence such as logs or data from multiple systems. However, for this exercise, we are concentrating on the virtual machine's memory and disk.

2. Data Acquisition:
   • The order of volatility is critical during this step. For instance, immediately shutting down a system or unplugging it could result in the loss of volatile data, like memory, which is irreplaceable once lost.
   • In real-world scenarios, before acquiring data, it is essential to contain or isolate the system to prevent further damage. For virtual machines, pausing the system is a safer approach as it helps preserve volatile data.
   • Always prioritize memory acquisition before moving on to less volatile data, such as disk images.

3. Data Integrity Verification:
   • After data acquisition, creating a hash to verify the integrity of the data is a best practice.
   • This step is vital, especially if the evidence needs to be shared or presented in legal proceedings. Generating a hash at the time of collection allows for comparison later to confirm that the data has not been altered.

Moving Forward

With this plan in place, we will proceed with collecting evidence from our target system. The next steps will involve the examination and analysis of the collected data, following the forensic process guidelines.

Resources:

NIST SP800-86, Guide to Integrating Forensic Techniques into Incident Response: (PDF) - Opens in new tab

IETF RFC 3227, Guidelines for Evidence Collection and Archiving: (PDF) - Opens in new tab

Windows Forensics Navigation

1. Windows Forensics Overview 

2. Blueprint 

3. Forensic Workstation Setup

4. Data Collection Process Overview This Page

   4.1 Target System Containment

   4.2 Memory Acquisition

   4.3 Disk Acquisition

5. Forensic Data Examination