Incident Identification and Preservation:
- Identify the Attack: Recognize the type of cyber attack (e.g., phishing, ransomware, data breach). In recent cases, financial fraud and unauthorized access to personal data are common.
- Isolate the Affected Systems: Prevent further damage by isolating affected systems. This helps in preserving the integrity of the data for forensic analysis.
Forensic Acquisition:
- Data Collection: Securely collect data from digital devices involved, such as computers, servers, and mobile devices. Tools like EnCase or FTK Imager can be used to create a forensic image of the devices.
- Log Analysis: Retrieve logs from network devices, servers, and applications to track the timeline of the attack.
Forensic Examination:
- Malware Analysis: If malware is involved, perform static and dynamic analysis to understand its behavior and potential data exfiltration methods.
- File and Metadata Analysis: Examine files and metadata for clues on how the attack was carried out and any malicious modifications.
- Network Traffic Analysis: Analyze captured network traffic to identify communication patterns and any data exfiltration.
Traceability and Attribution:
- Tracing IP Addresses: Use IP tracing techniques to identify the origin of the attack. Tools like WHOIS and geo-location can help in this process.
- Email and Social Media Forensics: In cases involving phishing or social media abuse, analyze email headers and social media activity to trace back to the source.
Legal and Reporting:
- Documentation: Keep detailed documentation of all forensic steps, findings, and tools used. This is crucial for legal proceedings.
- Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Work closely with law enforcement agencies like the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Cyber Crime Cells to ensure that the evidence is admissible in court.
Advanced Forensic Techniques:
- Advanced Log Analysis: In sophisticated attacks, perform deep analysis of system and application logs to detect tampering or stealth activities.
- RAM Analysis: Capture and analyze volatile data (RAM) to uncover any in-memory malware or encryption keys.