Assignment 3:\
Hard Disk Analysis Using Autopsy: Exploring Its Features and Functions
Assignment Tasks:
Task 1: Introduction to Autopsy
1. Write a brief introduction to Autopsy, highlighting:
o Its purpose as a forensic tool.
o Its open-source nature and key use cases.
o Supported platforms (e.g., Windows, Linux).
2. Explain why Autopsy is a preferred tool for digital forensics, particularly in analyzing
hard disks.
Task 2: Setting Up Autopsy
1. Provide instructions on how to download and install Autopsy on a system.
2. Include steps to create a case in Autopsy with a focus on:
o Adding a disk image for analysis.
o Setting up the case details (e.g., case name, examiner name, case number).
Task 3: Performing Hard Disk Analysis
Using a sample disk image (you may provide one or ask students to acquire a sample disk image
online, such as a forensic training image), perform the following:
1. Data Ingestion:
o Import the disk image into Autopsy.
o Describe the type of disk image supported (e.g., raw .dd, .img, or .E01 formats).
o Document the process of importing and indexing.
2. Filesystem Analysis:
o Explore the contents of the hard disk.
o Identify the file systems supported (e.g., NTFS, FAT32).
o Extract and analyze deleted files, if any.
3. Keyword Search:
o Demonstrate how to use Autopsy’s keyword search functionality.
o Use relevant keywords (e.g., “password,” “confidential,” or “malware”) and
analyze results.
4. File Metadata Analysis:
o Select a file and extract metadata (e.g., file creation date, modification date).
o Explain how metadata can be useful in investigations.
5. Recover Deleted Files:
o Document the process to recover deleted files using Autopsy.
o Mention any challenges encountered.
6. Analyzing Browser History:
o Extract and analyze browser activity (e.g., visited websites, cookies, downloads).
o Explain the significance of browser artifacts in a forensic investigation.
7. Timeline Analysis:
o Create a timeline of events from the hard disk.
o Analyze and report on key events such as file access, modification, and deletion
times.
Task 4: Reporting with Autopsy
1. Generate a forensic report using Autopsy’s built-in reporting feature.
2. Include the following in the report:
o Summary of the investigation.
o Key findings (e.g., recovered files, relevant artifacts).
o Screenshots of evidence where applicable.
3. Explain the importance of maintaining the integrity of forensic reports.
Deliverables:
A written document (Word or PDF) covering all tasks.
Screenshots of key steps and findings.
A forensic report generated by Autopsy.