This work introduces the reader to the world of digital forensics in a practical and accessible manner. The text was written to fulfill a need for a book that introduces forensic methodology and sound forensic thinking, combined with hands-on examples for common tasks in a computer forensic examination. The author has several years of experience as a computer forensics examiner and is now working as a university-level lecturer. Guide to Digital Forensics: A Concise and Practical Introduction is intended for students that are looking for an introduction to computer forensics and can also be used as a collection of instructions for practitioners. The aim is to describe and explain the steps taken during a forensic examination, with the intent of making the reader aware of the constraints and considerations that apply during a fo rensic examination in law enforcement and in the private sector. Upon reading this book, the reader should have a proper overview of the field of digital forensics, starting them on the journey of becoming a computer forensics expert.

This practical and accessible textbook/reference describes the theory and methodology of digital forensic examinations, presenting examples developed in collaboration with police authorities to ensure relevance to real-world practice. The coverage includes discussions on forensic artifacts and constraints, as well as forensic tools used for law enforcement and in the corporate sector. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing sound forensic thinking, and gaining experience in common tasks through hands-on exercises. This enhanced second edition has been expanded with new material on incident response tasks and computer memory analysis. Topics and features: Outlines what computer forensics is, and what it can do, as well as what its limitations are Discusses both the theoretical foundations and the fundamentals of forensic methodology Reviews broad principles that are applicable worldwide Explains how to find and interpret several important artifacts Describes free and open source software tools, along with the AccessData Forensic Toolkit Features exercises and review questions throughout, with solutions provided in the appendices Includes numerous practical examples, and provides supporting video lectures online This easy-to-follow primer is an essential resource for students of computer forensics, and will also serve as a valuable reference for practitioners seeking instruction on performing forensic examinations. Joakim Kavrestad is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Skoevde, Sweden, and an AccessData Certified Examiner. He also serves as a forensic consultant, with several years of experience as a forensic expert with the Swedish police.