Course Description

Course Overview

The Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) course provides individuals with the knowledge and skills required to conduct digital forensic investigations in cases of computer hacking, data breaches, and other cybersecurity incidents. This course focuses on the methodologies, tools, and techniques used to collect and analyze digital evidence, ensuring that it is admissible in a court of law.

By attaining the CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator) certification, you demonstrate your expertise in identifying hacking incidents, collecting crucial evidence for reporting and prosecuting cybercriminals, and conducting comprehensive analyses to prevent future attacks. The CHFI certification is globally recognized and highly valued in the field of cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Prerequisites

To enroll in the CHFI course, individuals should have a solid understanding of computer systems, networks, and operating systems. It is recommended to have prior knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, such as network security and incident response. Familiarity with computer programming languages, such as Python or C++, is beneficial but not mandatory.

Methodology

The CHFI course combines theoretical lectures, hands-on lab exercises, and real-world case studies to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Students will learn about digital forensics principles, techniques, and legal considerations through interactive sessions. They will also have access to virtual lab environments to practice their skills in a controlled and realistic setting.

Course Outline

Introduction to Computer Forensics

Overview of computer forensics and its importance

Roles and responsibilities of a computer forensics investigator

Legal and ethical considerations in digital investigations

Digital Evidence and Crime Scene Investigation

Types of digital evidence and their characteristics

Seizing and preserving digital evidence

Chain of custody and documentation

Computer Forensics Investigation Process

Phases of a computer forensics investigation

Collecting and analyzing volatile and non-volatile data

Writing investigation reports and presenting findings

Operating System Forensics

Forensic investigation of Windows, Linux, and macOS systems

File system analysis and recovery techniques

Registry analysis and artifact extraction

Network Forensics

Capturing and analyzing network traffic

Investigating network intrusions and attacks

Extracting evidence from routers, switches, and firewalls

Mobile Forensics

Investigating mobile devices (Android and iOS)

Acquiring and analyzing mobile device data

Mobile app and social media forensics

Database Forensics

Investigating database systems and data breaches

Extracting and analyzing database records

Recovering deleted data from database systems

Forensics of Cloud and Virtual Environments

Investigating cloud-based platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure)

Recovering and analyzing data from virtual machines

Legal considerations and challenges in cloud forensics

Malware Forensics

Identifying and analyzing malware samples

Reverse engineering malware and extracting indicators of compromise

Malware analysis tools and techniques

Incident Response and Forensic Readiness

Building an incident response plan and team

Establishing forensic readiness in an organization

Conducting live system forensics

Outcome

Upon completing the CHFI course, students will possess the necessary skills to conduct computer hacking forensic investigations effectively. They will be able to identify, collect, and analyze digital evidence in a manner that meets legal requirements. Graduates of the course will be well-prepared to pursue careers as computer forensic investigators, incident response analysts, or cybersecurity consultants.

Labs

The CHFI course includes hands-on lab exercises that allow students to apply their knowledge and practice their skills in realistic scenarios. The labs cover various aspects of digital forensics and provide students with practical experience in investigating cybersecurity incidents. Some examples of lab activities may include:

• Acquiring and analyzing disk images from different operating systems
• Recovering and reconstructing deleted files and file fragments
• Analyzing network traffic captures to identify malicious activities
• Extracting evidence from mobile devices using forensic tools
• Conducting database forensics to investigate data breaches
• Analyzing and reverse engineering malware samples
• Simulating incident response scenarios and performing live system forensics
• Investigating cloud-based platforms and extracting relevant data
• Documenting findings and preparing professional investigation reports