forensic-disk

Read-only disk image analysis prevents any modification of original evidence images by enforcing strict discipline during filesystem processing. This approach ensures that forensic artifacts remain untampered while allowing deep analysis of unallocated space and system structures.

Yes, you can recover deleted files and reconstruct timelines from a compromised disk image using file carving and artifact extraction. This process identifies forensic artifacts and system anomalies to determine the timeline of unauthorized access without altering source evidence.

Yes, you need sleuthkit, foremost, and bulk_extractor to process filesystem structures and unallocated space safely. These dependencies enable file carving, timeline reconstruction, and artifact extraction while maintaining strict chain-of-custody for incident response investigations.

The best way to investigate a disk image for unauthorized access without altering source evidence is non-destructive disk forensics. This method extracts system-specific artifacts like registry hives and browser history while enforcing read-only analysis to maintain chain-of-custody.

File carving is the process of recovering deleted files by scanning unallocated space for file signatures without relying on filesystem metadata. You need it for digital forensics and incident response when investigating compromised systems to extract artifacts that suspects attempted to destroy.

Limitations of extracting forensic artifacts from unallocated space include partial file recovery when data blocks are overwritten, and fragmented artifacts that file carving cannot fully reconstruct. Strict read-only analysis is required to prevent further degradation of the original evidence image.