The CSI Linux Knowledge Base

Acquisition refers to the process of collecting and preserving digital evidence in a forensically sound manner from various sources such as laptops, mobile devices, hard and solid state drives (HD SSD), and networks. The goal of acquisition is to ensure that the collected evidence is authentic, reliable, and admissible in legal proceedings. The process involves several critical steps and considerations to maintain the integrity of the evidence.

Key Steps in the Acquisition Process:

• • Preparation:
    • Identify the Scope: Determine the type of data needed, the devices to be examined, and the legal authority for the acquisition.
    • Plan the Acquisition: Develop a plan that outlines the methods and tools to be used, taking into account the specific characteristics of the devices and data involved.
  • Collection:
    • Seize Devices: Secure and seize the devices that may contain relevant evidence. This might involve physically removing hard drives, mobile phones, or other storage media.
    • Prevent Data Alteration: Use write-blocking hardware or software to prevent any modifications to the original data during the acquisition process.
  • Imaging:
    
    • Create Forensic Images: Generate bit-for-bit copies or forensic images of the storage media. This process captures every bit of data from the source device, including hidden, deleted, and residual data.
    • Verify Integrity: Use cryptographic hash functions (e.g., MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256) to create hash values of the original and copied data. These hashes must match to confirm the integrity of the forensic image.
  • Documentation:
    • Record Details: Document every step of the acquisition process, including the tools and methods used, the date and time of the acquisition, and any observations or anomalies.
    • Chain of Custody: Maintain a detailed chain of custody log to track the handling and transfer of the evidence from the moment of acquisition to its presentation in court.
      

Considerations for Different Sources:

By following these steps and considerations, forensic investigators can ensure that the acquisition process preserves the integrity of the digital evidence, allowing it to be used effectively in legal and investigative contexts.

Analysis is the systematic examination and evaluation of the acquired digital evidence to identify relevant information and draw logical conclusions. The process involves techniques such as searching for specific files, file system analysis, extracting metadata, log analysis, timeline analysis, recovering deleted data, identifying patterns or anomalies, and malware analysis to reconstruct events and uncover potential evidence

Anonymity is the state of being unknown or unrecognized, particularly in relation to one's identity or location. It is often associated with privacy and the protection of personal information.

There are various ways in which anonymity can be achieved, both online and offline. Some examples include:

1. Using a pseudonym: A pseudonym is a name that is different from one's legal name. By using a pseudonym, individuals can protect their identity and keep their personal information private. For example, an author may use a pseudonym to publish their work without revealing their real name.

2. Using a virtual private network (VPN): A VPN is a service that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, allowing users to access the internet anonymously. This can be useful for individuals who want to protect their online activity from being monitored or tracked.

3. Using the Tor network: The Tor network is a system designed to allow anonymous communication. It routes traffic through a series of randomly-selected servers, known as "relays", in order to obscure the identity and location of the user. This can be useful for individuals who want to access content or communicate anonymously.

4. Wearing a mask or disguise: In some cases, anonymity may be achieved by physically concealing one's identity. For example, protestors may wear masks or disguises in order to protect themselves from retribution or identification.

Overall, anonymity is an important aspect of privacy and can be useful for individuals who wish to protect their personal information or exercise their right to free expression without fear of retribution. However, it is important to note that anonymity can also be used for illegal or malicious purposes, and should be used with caution.

Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are a type of cyber attack featuring sophisticated malicious actors that target victims for a long period of time, compromising their system and confidential information. Such attackers usually initiate their attack with a phishing email, initial contact, or social engineering, and then use the access that they gain to continuously probe systems and networks for more access. Once a cybercriminal has access to a system, they may remain for months or even years, siphoning data and compromising other networks, applications, and accounts.

Examples of Advanced Persistent Threats:

1. Stuxnet: Stuxnet is a computer worm that was initially used in 2010 to target Iran's nuclear weapons program. It gathered information, damaged centrifuges, and spread itself. It was thought to be an attack by a state actor against Iran.
2. Duqu: Duqu is a computer virus developed by a nation state actor in 2011. It's similar to Stuxnet and it was used to surreptitiously gather information with the goal of infiltrating networks and sabotage their operations.
3. DarkHotel: DarkHotel is a malware campaign that targeted hotel networks in Asia, Europe and North America in 2014. The attackers broke into hotel Wi-Fi networks and used the connections to infiltrate networks of their guests, who were high profile corporate executives. They stole confidential information from their victims and also installed malicious software on victims' computers.
4. MiniDuke: MiniDuke is a malicious program from 2013 that is believed to have originated from a state-sponsored group. Its goal is to infiltrate into the target organizations and steal confidential information through a series of malicious tactics.
5. APT28: APT28 is an advanced persistent threat group that is believed to be sponsored by a nation state. It uses tactics such as spear phishing, malicious website infiltration and password harvesting to target government and commercial organizations.
6. OGNL: OGNL, or Operation GeNIus Network Leverage, is a malware-focused campaign believed to have been conducted by a nation state actor. It is used to break into networks and steal confidential information, such as credit card numbers, financial records, and social security numbers.

In the context of digital forensics, an audit refers to the methodical and systematic review and evaluation to a) assess compliance with security policies, regulations, and industry standards, b) identify potential vulnerabilities or threats, and c) ensure the integrity and accountability of digital systems and data. Activities include examinations of system logs, access records, and configurations.