LAB-9.md

Data and Password Recovery Procedures

RES: FORENSIC LAB WRITEUP

This document outlines practical steps for data and password recovery in various scenarios. It covers retrieving files, recovering passwords, and conducting forensic analyses.

1. Retrieving SAM and SYSTEM Files from an Offline Windows OS

To retrieve SAM and SYSTEM files from an offline Windows OS, follow these steps:

    - Boot the system using a live USB or CD.
    - Navigate to the system's Windows directory (usually C:\Windows).
    - Locate and copy the SAM and SYSTEM files to an external storage device.

2. Recovering a Windows Logon Password (Cracking the SAM Hash)

Disclaimer: Password cracking should only be performed legally and ethically.

    1. Acquire the SAM file from the target Windows system.
    2. Use a password-cracking tool such as John the Ripper or Hashcat to crack the hashed passwords.

3. Recovering Data from an Android/Windows Device

Android Device:

    1. Connect the device to a computer.
    2. Use data recovery software like Dr.Fone or Disk Drill to recover lost data.

Windows Device:

    1. Utilize file recovery tools like Recuva or PhotoRec.
    2. Connect the storage device to another computer for recovery.

4. Recovering Deleted Data from HDD, Flash Disk

    1. Stop using the storage device immediately to prevent overwriting.
    2. Use file recovery tools to scan for and recover deleted files.

5. Creating Forensic Images of Different Storage Media

    1. Use forensic imaging tools like dd or FTK Imager.
    2. Create a bit-by-bit copy of the storage media for analysis.

6. Using Autopsy, FTK, etc., for Forensic Analyses

a. File Recovery Analysis:

Purpose: Identify and recover deleted or hidden files from the forensic image.

      **Procedure:**
      - Use the file recovery feature in the chosen forensic tool.
      - Examine recovered files for relevance to the investigation.

b. Timeline Analysis:

Purpose: Create a chronological timeline of events based on system activities.

    **Procedure:**
    - Analyze system logs and timestamps.
    - Use the timeline analysis feature in the forensic tool.
    - Identify key events and their sequence.

c. Keyword Search and Indexing:

Purpose: Locate specific terms or keywords within the forensic image.

      **Procedure:**
      - Perform a keyword search using the forensic tool.
      - Review search results for relevant information.

d. Registry Analysis:

Purpose: Examine Windows registry entries for system configuration and user activities.

      **Procedure:**
      - Access the registry analysis module in the forensic tool.
      - Investigate registry keys related to user accounts, installed software, etc.

e. Network Traffic Analysis:

Purpose: Analyze network activity to identify communication patterns and potential security incidents.

      **Procedure:**
      - Use network analysis features within the forensic tool.
      - Examine communication logs and network connections.

f. Metadata Analysis:

Purpose: Extract and analyze metadata from files to gather additional information.

      **Procedure:**
      - Access the metadata analysis tool in the forensic software.
      - Review metadata of files for details like creation/modification timestamps, author information, etc.

g. Hash Analysis:

Purpose: Verify file integrity and identify known malicious files using hash values.

      **Procedure:**
        - Calculate and compare hash values of files against known databases.
        - Identify any files with suspicious or known malicious hashes.

7. Extracting Evidence and Providing Expert Opinion

      1. Utilize the chosen forensic tool to extract relevant evidence.
      2. Document findings and provide an expert opinion based on the analysis.

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Note: Always adhere to legal and ethical guidelines when performing forensic analyses and data recovery.

Feel free to modify and expand on each section based on your specific lab requirements.