Digital Forensics and Incident Response: A practical guide to using Kali Linux for cyber investigations

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), covering essential concepts, guiding principles, and the collaborative role of teams during investigations. From data acquisition to advanced forensic techniques, it equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively identify, analyze, and respond to security incidents. Readers will learn how to set up a dedicated DFIR lab using Kali Linux, gain an understanding of operating systems and storage devices, and practice hands-on exercises with industry-standard tools such as FTK Imager, Volatility, and Autopsy. The book also introduces leading frameworks including NIST, SANS, and MITRE ATT&CK, offering a structured, real-world approach to incident response. Through practical case studies, it bridges theory and practice, enabling professionals to immediately apply their skills to areas such as system breaches, memory forensics, and mobile device investigations. This resource is particularly valuable for cybersecurity analysts, incident responders, and forensic investigators, providing them with the expertise to combat cybercrime and safeguard organizations. Key Features Complete guide to digital forensics using Kali Linux tools and frameworks. Step-by-step strategies for handling real-world incident response scenarios. Hands-on labs for investigating systems, memory-based attacks, mobile, and cloud data. What You Will Learn Conduct in-depth digital forensics using Kali Linux’s specialized toolset. Apply frameworks such as NIST, SANS, and MITRE ATT&CK for structured response. Perform memory, registry, and mobile forensics with practical, tested methods. Acquire and preserve evidence from cloud, mobile, and virtual systems. Design and implement effective incident response playbooks. Investigate system and browser artifacts to trace malicious activity. Who This Book Is For Ideal for cybersecurity professionals, digital forensic investigators, and incident responders with a foundational understanding of forensics and DFIR principles. Table of Contents Fundamentals of Digital Forensics Setting up a DFIR Lab with Kali Linux Building Blocks of Digital Forensics Incident Response and DFIR Frameworks Data Acquisition and Artifact Collection Operating System Forensics with Real-World Examples Mobile Device Forensics and Analysis Network Forensics and Traffic Analysis Practical Demonstrations with Autopsy Data Recovery Tools and Techniques Case Studies in Digital Forensics and Reporting