UNIX and Server Forensics

Until this point, the assumption has been that the target computer is some sort of PC or workstation, probably running a version of Microsoft Windows. Regardless of the version, PC forensics is generally the same whether the computer runs DOS,Windows NT, or Windows 95. UNIX, however, offers some significant challenges to the investigator.

UNIX has both advantages and disadvantages for power users. It is a simpler operating system than Windows in that it has fewer layers between the hardware and the end user. Configuration files tend to be text-based as opposed to some sort of binary. There are literally no restrictions on the power of the superuser account. These same advantages can make UNIX both more difficult and ...

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