Here’s a compact summary of the third set of slides on Windows Forensics III:

1. Windows Registry and Indexing:
   • Post-Vista systems use file system virtualization for security, redirecting sensitive data to user-specific folders under User Access Control (UAC).
   • Windows indexes common areas (e.g., Start Menu, C:\Users) and maintains these indexes in specific system folders, aiding forensic investigations by storing traces of encrypted or obfuscated files.
2. NTUSER.DAT:
   • Stores valuable forensic data, including Typed URLs (last 25 URLs typed in Internet Explorer) and programs run from the Start menu.
   • User actions and timestamps can be extracted from the NTUSER.DAT registry file, making it a vital resource for examining user activity.
3. Data Destruction and Defragmentation:
   • Spoliation refers to intentional destruction or alteration of evidence. NTFS tracks file deletions by marking records as unallocated in $Bitmap and MFT.
   • Even after wiping or destruction, forensic tools can often recover evidence or detect the use of data destruction tools (e.g., through filenames like DELETED_DELETED).
   • Defragmentation gathers scattered data, which can overwrite unallocated space, affecting forensic recovery. Forensic tools can detect defragmentation traces.
4. File Deletion:
   • Deleting files doesn’t always mean they’re irretrievable. INFO2/$I files help recover details such as the file path, deletion time, and associated user account.
   • Files bypassing the Recycle Bin can often still be recovered via file carving, and forensic tools can examine SIA (Standard Information Attribute) for additional insights.
5. Internet and Communication Artefacts:
   • Internet Explorer: Forensic traces from web activities are stored in cookies, web cache, and index.dat files, recording URLs, timestamps, and browsing history.
   • Web browsing artefacts for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge are similarly accessible in various AppData folders.
   • Communication artefacts from email (e.g., Windows Live Mail) and instant messaging (e.g., Skype, IRC) can also provide rich forensic information.
6. Windows 10 Forensics:
   • Cortana creates forensic artefacts like WiFi access points, geolocation data, and contact lists in files such as CortanaCoreDB.dat and IndexedDB.edb.
   • Registry, event logs, and prefetch data still retain similar forensic value as in earlier Windows versions, while shadow copies and AppContainer storage continue to provide key system snapshots.
7. Memory Forensics:
   • Windows Process Memory (RAM) contains vital information such as running services, decrypted passwords, cryptographic keys, and active network connections. This data is crucial for in-depth forensic analysis of a system’s current state.

These slides expand on Windows forensics, emphasizing user activities, file deletion, data destruction, and critical artefacts from web usage and system memory