Digital Forensics: Foundations of Investigation
Acquire the foundational knowledge and practical methodologies needed to conduct thorough digital forensic investigations.
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About this course
Course contents
6 modules · 30 lessons · 3h
1
Introduction to Digital Forensics
Establish the foundational vocabulary, principles, and ethical boundaries of the field.
- Welcome to the Digital Truth
Introduction to the course goals and the role of a digital forensic investigator.6 min - The Language of Forensics
Understanding key terminology like artifacts, volatility, and bit-stream images.6 min - Core Forensic Principles
Exploring Locard's Exchange Principle and the scientific method in forensics.6 min - Ethics and Objectivity
The importance of unbiased analysis and ethical conduct during an investigation.6 min - Legal Frameworks and Admissibility
Overview of laws and rules that determine if digital evidence is valid in court.6 min
2
The Investigation Lifecycle
Understand how investigations start and the patterns of modern cyber attacks.
- Incident Response Basics
The initial steps taken when a security breach is first detected.6 min - The Forensic Lifecycle
A step-by-step overview of the entire investigation process from start to finish.6 min - Identifying Evidence Sources
Learning where digital evidence hides in hardware and software.6 min - Common Attack Patterns
Recognizing how attackers move, from phishing to data exfiltration.6 min - Modern Evidence Types
Identifying artifacts left behind by modern cyber incidents and malware.6 min
3
Evidence Acquisition and Preservation
Master the systematic methods for collecting and protecting digital data.
- Acquisition Methodologies
Systematic approaches to gathering data without altering the original source.6 min - The Order of Volatility
Prioritizing which data to collect first based on how quickly it disappears.6 min - Forensic Imaging Techniques
The difference between copying files and creating a forensic bit-stream image.6 min - Ensuring Data Integrity
Using hashing algorithms to prove that evidence has not been tampered with.6 min - The Chain of Custody
Maintaining a rigorous log of who handled the evidence and when.6 min
4
Analysis: File Systems and Logs
Learn to extract meaning from stored data and system records.
- File System Fundamentals
How operating systems store data and where hidden evidence resides.6 min - Recovering Deleted Data
The science of finding files that the user thought were gone forever.6 min - Introduction to Log Analysis
Understanding logs as the 'black box' of a digital system.6 min - Interpreting System Logs
Finding clues in Windows Event Logs and system-level records.6 min - Application and User Logs
Tracking user activity through browser history and application logs.6 min
5
Analysis: Network and Cloud
Expand investigation skills to data in motion and remote environments.
- Network Traffic Basics
Understanding how data packets move across a network.6 min - Analyzing Traffic Artifacts
Identifying suspicious communication patterns in network captures.6 min - Intro to Cloud Forensics
The unique challenges of investigating data stored in the cloud.6 min - Cloud Evidence Sources
Where to find logs and data in SaaS and IaaS environments.6 min - Challenges in Remote Analysis
Dealing with jurisdictional and technical hurdles in cloud investigations.6 min
6
Documentation and Professional Practice
Finalize the investigation by creating professional reports and summaries.
- Documenting the Process
Keeping detailed contemporaneous notes during the entire analysis.6 min - Writing the Forensic Report
Structuring a formal report that is clear for both technical and legal readers.7 min - Presenting Your Findings
Tips for explaining complex digital evidence to non-technical stakeholders.6 min - Case Review: From Start to Finish
A walkthrough of a simulated real-world scenario to reinforce all steps.7 min - Next Steps in Your Journey
Guidance on further certifications and career paths in digital forensics.4 min
The 'First Responder' Simulation
You are presented with a scenario involving a suspected data breach. You must outline the acquisition plan, identify key artifacts from a provided set of logs/file lists, and draft a summary forensic report.
What you'll get
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Short & focused
3h of practical content
Certificate of completion
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Frequently asked
What do I need to take this course? +
Just a phone or computer with internet. No installs, no special hardware.
How do I pay? +
By card via Stripe. We don’t store card details — Stripe handles them securely.
Can I get a refund? +
Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.
How long will I have access? +
Forever. Once you purchase, the course is yours to revisit anytime.
Will I get a certificate? +
Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.
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