Windows Digital Forensics Simulator

Interactive DFIR Training Environment

Case Evidence 100% browser basedNo installation required

Simulated forensic artifacts

Guided labs

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Scenario

Case brief

Training rule: Treat the dataset as evidence. Work from artifacts, correlate independent sources, record timestamps and source paths, and distinguish fact from inference.

Learning objectives

Evidence handling

Image:

Expected SHA-256:

Preservation concept: In real examinations, validate source identity, use appropriate write protection/collection procedures, document acquisition conditions, and verify cryptographic hashes before analysis.

1. Preserve

Identify the evidence source, document custody, prevent unintended writes, acquire appropriately, and hash.

2. Analyze

Parse native artifacts, correlate timestamps and identities, test competing explanations, and preserve provenance.

3. Report

Separate observations from conclusions, identify limitations, and make findings reproducible by another examiner.

Artifact collection

Select an artifact to inspect its simulated parsed content and forensic significance.

Correlated activity timeline

Times are normalized for this training case. Correlation is often stronger than reliance on a single artifact.

Timestamp	Source	Event	Priority

SIMULATED FORENSIC TERMINALHELP · ↑/↓ history

PS C:\Forensics>

Command practice

The console recognizes a curated set of investigation commands and common aliases. It does not execute commands on your computer.

Start with: help, tree, artifacts, timeline, search usb, or an OS-specific command shown by help.

The goal is command familiarity and analytical reasoning, not perfect shell emulation. Unsupported commands are rejected safely inside the browser.

Knowledge check

Answer from the forensic concepts demonstrated in the case, not merely by memorizing individual records.

Examiner notes

Suggested report structure

Case identifier and evidence source
Acquisition / preservation method
Hash verification
Artifacts examined
Timeline of relevant events
Findings with source attribution
Alternative explanations / limitations
Conclusion

Important: An artifact may support an inference without proving intent. Report what the data demonstrates and clearly label interpretive conclusions.

Authoritative and practical resources

Use this simulator with real tools

After completing the browser lab, repeat the same investigative questions with a known forensic training image and a real DFIR toolchain. Compare which artifacts are parsed automatically, which require manual interpretation, and how timestamps are normalized.

Instructor idea: Require students to submit both the simulator report and a one-page comparison explaining how the corresponding artifact appears in a real tool such as Autopsy, Velociraptor, or mac_apt.