Windows Forensics: Analyzing Execution and Web Browsing Artifacts

When a security incident occurs, digital investigators must piece together exactly what happened on an endpoint. Understanding how to locate and analyze system execution files and web browsing history is a fundamental skill for any security analyst. This text-based course guides you through the core concepts of digital forensics, teaching you how to trace user actions and program executions. You will transition from understanding basic forensic terminology to confidently interpreting system artifacts left behind by users and potential attackers. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational concepts of digital forensics and the incident response lifecycle. - Analyze Windows execution artifacts including Prefetch, Shimcache, and UserAssist. - Examine web browsing history, cookies, and cache files from modern Chromium-based browsers. - Reconstruct timeline events to determine the precise sequence of user activities. - Identify signs of anti-forensics and private browsing usage on an endpoint. You will start with essential forensic terminology and principles before moving into structured walkthroughs of artifact locations, registry keys, and database structures. Through written analysis scenarios and step-by-step guidance, you will practice interpreting real-world digital evidence. This course is designed for aspiring security analysts, IT administrators, and digital forensics beginners, with no prior investigation experience required. Start your journey into digital forensics and master the art of endpoint investigation today.