The Overview of Network Forensic Components

Network forensics is a study that focuses on finding and recovering data related to cybercrime in a networked setting. To determine the origin of cyberattacks, common forensic tasks include the collection, recording, and analysis of network-based events. 

In situations involving data theft, network leakage, or shady network activity, network forensics can be especially helpful. It primarily focuses on examining and evaluating network traffic in a situation where cybercriminals are thought to have gained access. 

For a thorough inquiry, gaining access to internet networks could be challenging. The majority of internet networks are controlled and maintained by entities outside of the attacked network. Investigations become significantly more challenging when the trace points to a network in another nation. According to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Global Network Forensic Market growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~18.9% over the projection period from 2021 to 2027.  

The network receives a large amount of data, but before it can move across it, it must be divided up into smaller units called packets. Emails, VOIP services, and browsers are just a few examples of the common communication and search tools found on the internet. These tools are also necessary to comprehend network forensics. ISP, IP, and MAC addresses must all be understood.  

Primary Sources of Network Forensic 

Two main sources are the focus of the investigation: 

Log Files: These files are located on web servers, Active Directory servers, proxy servers, firewalls, DNS, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and Dynamic Host Control Protocols (DHCP). Logs take significantly less space than full-packet capture. 

Full packet data capture: The "Catch it as you can" approach has directly led to this. Given the size of their networks, major enterprises may find it counterproductive to maintain full packet capture for an extended period. 

Log files include essential details regarding network activity, including IP addresses, TCP ports, and Domain Name Service (DNS). The site names that are displayed in log files can aid forensic professionals in identifying suspect source and destination pairings, such as those that indicate that a server is transmitting and receiving data from an unauthorized server located in North Korea.

The log files also contain questionable application actions, such as browsers that communicate using ports other than 80, 443, or 8080. Log analysis occasionally calls for both scientific and artistic techniques to convey the incident's narrative. 

Event logs that display time-sequencing are also essential for network forensics. By analyzing data and communications that network control systems have preserved, investigators can establish timelines. Analysis of network events frequently identifies the attack's origin. 

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Methods of Network Forensic 

Network forensics can be done in two different ways: 

“Stop, look and listen” method: Administrators keep an eye on every data packet that crosses the network, but they only record the ones that they deem suspicious and deserving of a thorough investigation. Although this technique takes up little space, it could need a lot of computing power. 

“Catch it as you can” method: The entire network traffic is recorded. It ensures that significant network events are not left out. As the storage volume increases, this process takes time and decreases storage efficiency. 

Tools: 

Network forensics software applications are accessible for free. Several have graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The majority, however, only support Linux systems and only offer a command-line interface. 

The following are some tools for network forensics: 

• Information on file uploads and downloads on visited websites is provided by Web Historian. 

• The location of the email-sending device is displayed by Email Tracker Pro. 

• Network traffic between devices can be captured and analyzed using Wireshark. 

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