Aligned to NIST NICE Framework (IN-WRL-002, PD-WRL-002)
Get started with digital forensics in this FREE introductory course. Learn foundational concepts, types of digital evidence, device categories, legal considerations, and common investigation challenges, ideal for aspiring DFIR professionals.
Get started with digital forensics in this FREE introductory course designed to build a strong foundation for aspiring DFIR professionals. Learn core concepts of digital forensics, types of digital evidence, device categories, legal considerations, and common challenges faced during real-world investigations.
This course combines theory with practical understanding to help you develop the mindset needed for investigative work in cybersecurity.
This course is strategically aligned to the NIST NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity, supporting key DFIR job roles and competencies:
This alignment ensures the course reflects real-world cybersecurity workforce needs and supports recognized professional role development in digital forensics.
Keep Learning DFIR – Your Way!
Before You Start (Beginning of the Course)
What is Digital Forensics
Digital Forensics Investigation
What is the Digital Evidence
Digital Devices
Legal Aspects
Types of Digital Forensic Investigation
Challenges of Digital Forensics
Conclusion
Check Your Module's Knowledge
References
Have a Question?!
Hard Disk - Physical & Logical Drive
Virtual Hard Disk (VHD)
Creating Virtual Hard Disk
Creating Virtual Hard Disk with Two Partitions
Required Files -- Attaching and Detaching Virtual Hard Disk
Attaching and Detaching Virtual Hard Disk
Exercise #1
Solutions_Virtual_Hard_Disk
Summary
Check Your Module's Knowledge
Have a Question?!
Data Acquisition Concepts
Data Validation
Acquisition Methods
Forensic Image File Formats
The Importance of Evidence Acquisition
Must-Know First Response Actions
Required Files -- Sanitization of the Target Media
Sanitization of the Target Media
Hardwipe Tool
Cygwin Tools (dd Command in Windows)
Check Your Knowledge
Exercise #1
Exercise #1 Solution
Required Files -- Acquisition Tools
Evidence Data Acquisition
Memory Dump
Tools for Memory Dump
Disk Drive Imaging
Other Forensic Tools
Exercise #2
Solution_Exercise#2
Examples of Hardware Acquisition Tools
Using UltraDock Write-Blocker
Required Files - Mounting a Forensic Image
Introduction to Image Mounting
Arsenal Image Mounter
OSFMount
Other Forensic Image Mounting Tools
Exercise#3
Solution_Exercise#3
Summary
References
Have a Question?!
Introduction to Forensic Toolkit Imager
Required Files -- Introduction
Required Files -- Installation of FTK Imager
Install FTK Locally
Install FTK on a Portable Device (USB)
Required Files -- Evidence Acquisition
Digital Evidence Acquisition
Memory Acquisition
Disk Acquisition
Exercise #1
Solutions Exercise #1
Required Files -- Attach an Evidence Item
Add Evidence Item to FTK Imager
Create and Verify a Multi-Part Disk Images
Loading a Multi-Part Disk Image
Required Files -- Evidence Analysis
Evidence Analysis
Exporting Data using FTK Imager
Detect EFS Encryption
Exercise #2
Solution Exercise #2
Acquiring Protected Registry Files
Copying Registry Files
Required Files -- Interpreter in FTK
Interpreter
Exercise #3
Solution Exercise #3
Required Files -- Create Images with Advanced Features
Custom Content Images
AD Encryption
Exercise #4
Solution Exercise #4
Required Files -- Image Mounting
Image Mounting
Steps of Image Mounting
Mount Multi-Part Raw Disk Image with FTK
Summary
Have a Question?!
Introduction to Data Representation
Numbering Systems
Decimal Number System (Base 10)
Binary System (Base 2)
Hexadecimal (Base 16)
Octal (Base 8)
Byte Ordering
Introduction to Text Code
ASCII Code
Unicode
Exercises
Solutions
Have a Question?!
Introduction to File Identification
Installation of HxD Editor
Working with HxD Editor
Installation of 010 Editor
Working with 010 Editor
010 Editor, Let us start
Explore the View Options
Viewing Unicode Files
View Options: Edit As
View: Font & Character Set
View: Line Width & Addresses
View: Group by, Division Lines, Left & Right View Areas
View: Highlighting, Ruler, & Status Bar
More View Options
File Offsets
Relative Offsets
Examples on Relative Offsets 1
Examples on Relative Offsets #2
Search Menu: Find using Hex
Search Menu: Find using Text
Search Menu: Replace
Search Menu: Find Strings
Search Menu: Find in Files
Search Menu: Replace in Files
Search Menu: Goto...
Search Menu: Goto using Directions
The Format Menu
Tools Menu Part #1
Tools Menu Part #2
Inspector (Interpreting Data) Part #1
Inspector (Interpreting Data) Part #2
Templates Part #1
Templates (File Signatures) Part #2
Templates - PE File (Part #1)
Templates - PE File (Part #2)
Templates - PE File (Part #3)
Templates - PE File (Part #4)
Templates - PE File (Part #5)
Templates - PE File (Part #6)
Templates - PE File (Part #7)
Templates - PE File (Part #8)
Templates - PE File (Part #9)
Templates - PE File (Part #10)
Templates - PE File (Part #11)
Templates - PE File (Part #12)
Reviewing 010 Template for PE File Format
Required Files
Introduction to File Signature
Text Files
Microsoft Word Files
PDF Files
TAR Files
Zip Files
PNG Files
JPEG Files
EXE Files
MP3 Files
MP4 Files
System Metadata
Embedded Metadata
Required Files -- Exercises
Exercise #1
Exercise #2
Exercise #3
Solutions of Exercises
Have a Question?!
Introduction to File System and Data Carving
What is File System
Hard Disk
NTFS
Ext4
NTFS vs EXT4
Required Files -- Data Carving
Introduction to Data Carving
Manual Data Carving - Using Hex Editor
Manual Data Carving - Carving an Image from a Doc File
Automatic Data Carving - Photorec
Automatic Data Carving - foremost
Required Files -- Exercises
Exercise #1
Exercise #1 - Solution
Exercise #2
Exercise #2 - Solution
Exercise #3
Exercise #3 - Solution
Have a Question?!
Introduction
Converting Times
Converting Dates
Exercise 01
Exercise 01 - Solution
File Operations
Required Files -- Timestamps and File Operation
Exercise 02 -- Inspecting Timestamps
Exercise 02 -- Solutions
Have a Question?!
Required Files
Lab #1 - Working with Autopsy
Lab #1 - Working with Autopsy (Solution)
Extra Reading Resources
What is the Forensics Report ?
Preparing For Forensics Report
The Importance of the Forensics Report
Why Documenting is Important?
Forensics Report Sections
Reporting Standards And Guidelines
Conclusions
Have a Question?!
Before You Go (End of the Course)
easy to learn and easy to read workshop step by step
easy to learn and easy to read workshop step by step
Read LessGreat
Great
Read LessWonderful explanation and learn a lot about executable file format and other file signature and metadata.
Wonderful explanation and learn a lot about executable file format and other file signature and metadata.
Read LessExcellent Course i've ever had
Excellent Course i've ever had
Read LessI learn more on This course now I can call my self Digital forensics investigator, I learn more about digital forensics thank you I will try and pay live one.
I learn more on This course now I can call my self Digital forensics investigator, I learn more about digital forensics thank you I will try and pay live one.
Read LessI am happy to share i learn a lot of form this cource and i respect you because you share free cource, i am not able to pay this DFIR traning fees that's why...
Read MoreI am happy to share i learn a lot of form this cource and i respect you because you share free cource, i am not able to pay this DFIR traning fees that's why i love this.
Read LessAbsolutely! Digital forensics is like the detective work of the digital world—it’s fascinating how investigators can uncover hidden truths within data, trace...
Read MoreAbsolutely! Digital forensics is like the detective work of the digital world—it’s fascinating how investigators can uncover hidden truths within data, trace cybercrimes, and even recover "lost" information. From examining encrypted files to analyzing digital footprints, it’s a field that combines technology, problem-solving, and a bit of mystery. Superb!
Read LessDIGITAL FORENSICS CONCEPTS!
DIGITAL FORENSICS CONCEPTS!
Read LessI loved everything about the course, and to be specific the step by step guide to the practical tasks
I loved everything about the course, and to be specific the step by step guide to the practical tasks
Read LessThe course provided good, clear, precise material on digital forensics, it was a wonderful experience with good exercises to reinforce knowledge and i would ...
Read MoreThe course provided good, clear, precise material on digital forensics, it was a wonderful experience with good exercises to reinforce knowledge and i would recommend it for anyone interested in digital forensics.
Read LessA very good introduction to DFIR.
A very good introduction to DFIR.
Read LessHow do I purchase a course?
You can enroll in any course directly through our platform using secure online payment.
How do I access my course after enrollment?
Once payment is complete, you will be redirected to the course and receive a confirmation email. You may also log in at any time to access your content via the My Dashboard section.
How long will I have access to the course material?
Lifetime access while the course remains available, with a guaranteed minimum of 1 year, even if it is updated or retired.
What are the general technical requirements?
Our platform is accessible from any device with internet access. For hands-on labs, we recommend:
Can I ask for help if I don't understand something?
Of course! Reach out by email anytime.
What is the expected time commitment for each course?
Each course is self-paced and designed to accommodate different learning speeds. The time you'll need depends on your current knowledge, experience, and how deeply you choose to engage with the materials and hands-on labs.
Do you offer student discounts?
Yes, we offer a 25% discount to verified university or college students (must register with a valid academic email). Please contact us at [email protected] after registering and before purchasing.
Do you offer law enforcement and military professionals discounts?
Yes, we offer a 25% discount to active law enforcement and military professionals (official verification required). Please contact us at [email protected] after registering and before purchasing.
Do you offer corporate training or customized training solutions?
Absolutely. We provide customized training solutions for teams, security operations centers, and government entities, including on-site workshops, simulations, and private lab access. Please contact us at [email protected] for arrangement.
Do your courses include Certificate of Completion?
All of our courses include a Certificate of Completion, awarded upon successful completion of lessons, labs, or a final exam (where applicable). These certificates are designed to support your professional development in the DFIR and cybersecurity fields.
Do you deliver on-site training for employees?
Yes, we tailor on-site training programs to your team's specific needs. Please contact us to discuss options, dates, and pricing.
Do you travel internationally?
Yes. Our instructors can deliver on-site training globally. Travel expenses will apply.
How long are your on-site training sessions?
Courses can range from one-day workshops to multi-week immersive programs, depending on your goals.
Can we customize the syllabus?
Absolutely! We work with you to design a tailored syllabus that matches your team's skill level and focus areas.
Do you provide virtual lab access?
Yes, all labs are accessible at labs.cyber5w.com.
What if my computer isn't good enough for the labs?
No worries, you can complete all exercises in our prebuilt virtual lab environment. No special hardware is needed, only a modern web browser to access the online labs.
What software or tools are installed in the virtual labs?
Each lab comes preloaded with the tools you'll need to successfully complete the exercises in the course you are learning.
How long do I have access to the labs?
Your virtual lab access comes with a predefined set of hours, but you can extend the lab access time as preferred (optional).
What professional certifications can I earn?
Cyber5W offers a series of hands-on, industry-recognized certifications to validate your expertise in digital forensics and threat analysis. These certifications are available as optional exams after completing the relevant training.
I'm new to DFIR, which professional certifications are available for beginners?
Can I retake a test if I do not pass the exam?
Yes, we allow multiple retake attempts. Check your exam specifics or contact support if you need further help.
What support is available during an exam?
You may email [email protected] for logistics and technical issues, but no exam-specific assistance will be provided.
How are CYBER 5W certification exams different from traditional tests?
At CYBER 5W, our certification exams are skill-based, not just multiple-choice. We assess your practical knowledge through real-world tasks to ensure you can apply what you've learned.
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touchSign up for the latest findings, field advancements, and updates on upcoming webinars, conferences, seminars, and free courses.
