18. Tools of the Digital Investigator

In order to excavate the data of a digital device, you will need to have access to certain tools. Some of these tools are software applications, some are devices specific to the field, and others are general devices used by many occupations. This chapter is not intended to be a tutorial on how to use each device, but rather more of a shopping list for the person starting a new We Be Forensics and Stuff location. Looking on the bright side: some of the software tools are free, so they don’t damage the wallet.

Software Tools

Software tools can be broken down into three basic categories:

• Utilities built into the OS

• Open-source applications

• Commercial applications and suites

As you might imagine, each ...

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