Tiffin University Project: CDS 351 Forensic Investiga 796823

Tiffin University Project: CDS 351 Forensic Investigation

The purpose of this project is to provide an opportunity for students to apply forensic investigation competencies gained throughout this course.

Required tools and resources include the course textbook, internet access, a computer with Paraben P2 Commander installed, and a Mac OS JSmith.img file. If Paraben P2 Commander is unavailable, alternative forensic software such as FTK or EnCase can be used.

Learning objectives encompass explaining the rationale for computer forensic activities, investigation procedures, evaluating evidence sources, analyzing laws related to digital forensics, applying forensic tools, analyzing digital evidence, reporting findings, and assessing business considerations related to forensic investigations.

Part 3 focuses on analyzing evidence from a Mac OS X system. The scenario involves investigating a forensic image from a suspect’s Mac OS X computer, used by John Smith, a research engineer in a corporate espionage case at a major oil company. Your task involves reviewing the Mac OS X file structure, creating a case in Paraben P2 Commander, analyzing directories for evidence, and documenting findings.

You need to identify whether John Smith committed espionage by uncovering direct or indirect evidence of property theft or suspicious activities during work hours. The investigation report must include your methods, relevant findings, and rationale, along with an analysis of potential legal and business implications for the company.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of forensic investigation into a suspected case of corporate espionage involving a Mac OS X system necessitates a methodical approach rooted in sound digital forensics principles. This report aims to detail the investigative strategy, findings, and implications originating from the analysis of a forensic image retrieved from the suspect’s computer, used in the context of an incident at a major oil company.

The initial step involved setting up a forensic case in Paraben P2 Commander, an industry-standard tool for digital evidence analysis. The forensic image, labeled Mac OS JSmith.img, was imported into the software, allowing a comprehensive examination of the system’s file structure, directories, and artifacts. Fundamental to this process was an understanding of the unique aspects of Mac OS X architecture, including its hierarchy of directories such as /Users, /Applications, and system logs stored within /var/logs.

During the file structure review, the /Users/johnsmith directory was scrutinized for potential indicators of espionage. This include examining user files for confidential documents, recent activity logs, and system-generated artifacts such as browser history, email cache, or application usage logs. The presence of unusually large or recently accessed files related to proprietary data could signify that John Smith was inappropriately handling sensitive company information.

Additionally, the analysis extended to system logs, which can reveal user activity insights, timestamps of file access, login times, and external device connections. For example, examining the system’s ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist or ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Safari/ may unveil browsing activities linked to unauthorized data transfer or external site visits. Bookmarking suspicious files or activity timestamps using P2 Commander’s features helped formalize the evidence collection process.

Indicators of espionage include the existence of encrypted or hidden files, recent file transfers, unusual application installations, or external device connections (USB drives, external hard drives). Of particular interest is the possibility of malicious artifacts, such as malware or keyloggers, which could facilitate data exfiltration. These artifacts require thorough analysis through file hashes, timestamps, and metadata.

The investigation revealed several noteworthy points. Firstly, various files containing proprietary information were located in the /Users/johnsmith/Documents directory, including confidential research data. These files had recent modification dates, suggesting ongoing handling of sensitive data. Secondly, system logs indicated that the user had connected an external USB device near the time the files were accessed, which could imply data transfer or copying activities.

Furthermore, browser history and cache files showed visits to external websites unfamiliar to the employee, potentially associated with data transfer services or cloud storage platforms. These evidences, combined with access timestamps to restricted directories, bolster suspicions of corporate espionage activities.

The implications of these findings are significant. If verified, they support the case that John Smith engaged in unauthorized data exfiltration, which could lead to legal action for breach of confidentiality and company policy violations. The evidence collected might be submitted to legal authorities or used internally for disciplinary proceedings. Conversely, if no concrete evidence of data theft or malicious activity is found, the findings should be carefully documented to rule out suspicion.

In conclusion, a rigorous forensic examination utilizing Paraben P2 Commander provided critical insights into the suspect’s system activity. Discovered files, log entries, and external device connections collectively suggest potential espionage, though further corroborative analysis would strengthen the case. The findings also highlight the importance of proactive digital forensics in corporate security, emphasizing the need to safeguard proprietary data against insider threats.

References

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