Application of Data Storage Concepts in Digital Forensics
Investigating File Systems, Data Recovery, and OS-Level Evidence Handling
1. Introduction
As digital crime continues to rise, digital forensics becomes increasingly important in
solving cases involving electronic evidence. Digital forensics involves the systematic process
of identifying, preserving, examining, and presenting digital data in a legal context. Core to
this process is the understanding of how information is stored, accessed, and managed
within computer systems. This document focuses on how storage principles are applied in
forensic tasks, including file system evaluation, recovering lost information, and handling
operating system-level artifacts.
2. File System Analysis
2.1 Significance of File Systems
File systems organize and control how data is stored and retrieved on storage devices. Each
operating system uses specific file systems, which help digital investigators locate crucial
evidence such as access logs, hidden files, or deleted records.
2.2 Common File Systems
Examples include FAT32 (widely used in portable devices), NTFS (used in Windows and
supporting advanced features like encryption), EXT3/EXT4 (common in Linux with
journaling support), and APFS (Apple's file system offering cloning and snapshots).
2.3 Evidence from File Systems
Information such as file timestamps, slack space, deleted content, and identifiable file
headers are valuable for forensic examination.
2.4 Tools Used
Forensic tools like Autopsy, FTK Imager, EnCase, and X-Ways allow in-depth analysis of
these file systems to extract digital evidence.
3. Data Recovery Approaches
3.1 Causes of Data Loss
Data may be lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, malicious intent, or corruption
caused by malware or power failure.
3.2 Techniques for Retrieval
Recovery methods include file carving, examining shadow copies, manual hex-level analysis,
and using dedicated software like R-Studio or PhotoRec.
3.3 Importance of Storage Structure Knowledge
Knowledge of block size, file tables, journaling, and memory allocation is vital to accurately
reconstruct lost data.
3.4 Barriers to Recovery
Issues include overwriting, disk encryption, and wear-leveling in SSDs, which can
complicate retrieval.
4. Operating System Evidence Handling
4.1 Role of OS in Forensics
Operating systems manage resources, track activity, and store logs. These logs provide
insight into user behavior and system events.
4.2 Windows System Artifacts
Artifacts such as registry files, event logs, prefetch data, and user activity logs help track file
access and software usage.
4.3 Linux/macOS Artifacts
Logs like syslog, command history, scheduled tasks, and application settings provide
forensic insight.
4.4 Live vs. Static Analysis
Live forensics is done on active systems for volatile data capture, while dead analysis
focuses on system images without affecting the source.
4.5 Useful Tools
Tools include Volatility, Log2Timeline, Rekall, ELK Stack, and Sysinternals, which facilitate
evidence extraction and analysis.
5. Challenges and Good Practices
5.1 Key Issues
Obfuscation methods, sheer volume of digital data, and legal limitations pose difficulties in
forensic investigations.
5.2 Recommended Practices
Always use write blockers, verify data using cryptographic hashes, document every step,
and work only on copies of the original data.
6. Conclusion
Understanding how data is stored and organized is essential for forensic professionals.
Whether it’s analyzing file systems, recovering deleted files, or investigating operating
system artifacts, strong storage knowledge enables effective evidence handling. With
technology evolving rapidly, forensic experts must continuously adapt their skills and tools.
7. References
1. Carrier, B. (2005). File System Forensic Analysis. Addison-Wesley.
2. Nelson, B., Phillips, A., & Steuart, C. (2018). Guide to Computer Forensics and
Investigations. Cengage.
3. NIST SP 800-86. Guide to Integrating Forensic Techniques into Incident Response.
4. Volatility Foundation. https://www.volatilityfoundation.org
5. Sleuth Kit Documentation. https://www.sleuthkit.org
