Bruce Nikkel, "Practical Forensic Imaging: Securing Digital Evidence with Linux Tools 1st Edition", No Starch Press, 2016

Introduction

In this blog post, I will review the book "Practical Forensic Imaging" by Bruce Nikkel, which offers a comprehensive guide to acquiring images of evidence for digital forensic analysis in the Linux environment. I will provide an overview of the book's content and structure, followed by my evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.

Summary of the Book

The book is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of Linux forensics:

• "Chapter 0: Digital Forensics Overview" provides general background on digital forensics, its applications, and its importance in modern investigations. This chapter is useful for readers who are new to the field, as it offers a solid foundation upon which the rest of the book is built.

• "Chapter 1: Storage Media Overview" delves into the various types of storage media that are commonly encountered in Linux-based systems. This chapter covers topics such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and removable storage devices, as well as filesystems and storage configurations specific to Linux.

• "Chapter 2: Linux as a Forensic Acquisition Platform," the author discusses the benefits and challenges of using Linux as a platform for forensic acquisition. This includes an exploration of Linux's open-source nature, its compatibility with various hardware, and its flexibility in the forensic acquisition process.

• "Chapter 3: Forensic Image Formats" explains different forensic image formats used in the industry, including raw, AFF, and E01. The chapter also highlights their respective strengths and weaknesses, helping readers make informed decisions when choosing the appropriate format for their investigations.

• "Chapter 4: Planning and Preparation" emphasizes the importance of a methodical approach to forensic investigations. The author guides readers through the process of preparing for an investigation, including setting up a forensic workstation, ensuring proper documentation, and understanding legal considerations.

• "Chapter 5: Attaching Subject Media to an Acquisition Host" focuses on the various methods of connecting the subject media to a forensic acquisition host, taking into account the need to preserve the integrity of the evidence. This chapter covers techniques such as write blockers and hardware bridges.

• "Chapter 6: Forensic Image Acquisition," Nikkel provides step-by-step instructions for using various tools to create forensic images of the subject media. This chapter is particularly valuable for those new to Linux forensics, as it offers practical, hands-on guidance.

• "Chapter 7: Forensic Image Management" discusses the importance of properly managing forensic images, including topics such as data integrity, storage, and chain of custody. The author provides tips and best practices for ensuring that forensic images remain admissible in court.

• "Chapter 8: Special Image Access Topics" delves into more advanced topics, such as accessing encrypted or damaged media and working with virtual machines. This chapter is ideal for readers who are looking to expand their knowledge beyond the basics.

• "Chapter 9: Extracting Subsets of Forensic Images" teaches readers how to extract specific data from forensic images, such as individual files, partitions, or metadata. This chapter highlights the importance of targeted data extraction in situations where a full forensic analysis may not be necessary or feasible.

Overall, "Practical Forensic Imaging" is a comprehensive and informative resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of digital forensics in the Linux environment. The book's focus on forensic image acquisition, coupled with its practical, hands-on approach, makes it a valuable addition to any digital investigator's library.

Throughout the book, Nikkel covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of digital forensics and storage media to more advanced subjects such as encryption and virtual machines. The author provides step-by-step guidance for using various forensic tools, making the book particularly valuable for readers who are new to Linux forensics.

My Review Comments

The book "Practical Forensic Imaging" offers a comprehensive overview of acquiring images of digital evidence for forensic analysis within the Linux environment. This work is distinctive due to its emphasis on Linux, considering the relative scarcity of information on forensic techniques for this operating system when compared to the more prevalent Windows environment. While the content may prove challenging for those unfamiliar with Linux, forensic investigators must comprehend these techniques, as numerous companies utilize Linux for their development activities and may require forensic analysis on Linux computers and servers during an incident.

As an open-source operating system, Linux boasts a variety of digital forensic tools that are also open-source projects. Although this results in cost-free access, it lacks guaranteed stability, accuracy, or reliability for these tools. The book introduces and elucidates the application of forensic tools such as dd, Sleuth Kit, dcfldd, foremost, and FTK Imager.

This book primarily concentrates on "imaging" techniques, encompassing the procedures for planning, acquiring, managing, and disposing of forensic evidence. While analysis is not extensively discussed, the author, Bruce Nikkel, has published a sequel titled "Practical Linux Forensics" anticipated to offer more in-depth information on Linux forensic analysis. I will review this book in a subsequent post.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend "Practical Forensic Imaging" to anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of digital forensic investigation techniques within the Linux environment. Despite the potential difficulties faced by newcomers to Linux, this book serves as a valuable and informative resource that offers practical guidance and a solid foundation for continued learning.