Database forensics

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Database forensics is a branch of

databases and their related metadata.[1]

The discipline is similar to

RAM requiring live analysis
techniques.

A forensic examination of a database may relate to the timestamps that apply to the update time of a row in a relational table being inspected and tested for validity in order to verify the actions of a database user. Alternatively, a forensic examination may focus on identifying transactions within a database system or application that indicate evidence of wrongdoing, such as fraud.

Software tools can be used to manipulate and analyse data. These tools also provide audit logging capabilities which provide documented proof of what tasks or analysis a forensic examiner performed on the database.

As of 2008, many database software tools are in general not reliable and precise enough to be used for forensic work as demonstrated in the first paper published on database forensics.[2] As of 2008, there was only a single book published in this field,[3] though more are destined.[4] Additionally there is a subsequent SQL Server Forensics book by Kevvie Fowler which is also well regarded.[5]

The forensic study of relational databases requires a knowledge of the standard used to encode data on the computer disk. A documentation of standards used to encode information in well-known brands of DB such as SQL Server and Oracle has been contributed to the public domain.[6][7] Others include Apex Analytix.[8]

Because the forensic analysis of a database is not executed in isolation, the technological framework within which a subject database exists is crucial to understanding and resolving questions of data authenticity and integrity especially as it relates to database users.

Further reading

  • Farmer and Venema, 1999, http://www.porcupine.org/forensics/forensic-discovery/appendixB.html
  • Sarbanes Oxley section 404 – enforce financial standards to limit chance of fraud. http://thecaq.aicpa.org/Resources/Sarbanes+Oxley/Archived 2007-10-13 at the Wayback Machine
  • HIPAA – Health and Portability Act https://web.archive.org/web/20051219200504/http://www.cms.hhs.gov/hipaa/
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06674.pdf
  • Oracle Forensics In a Nutshell, Paul M. Wright (May 2007) http://www.oracleforensics.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/OracleForensicsInANutshell.pdf
  • Oracle Forensics, Paul Wright, Rampant Techpress,
    ISBN 0-9776715-2-6, May 2008. http://www.rampant-books.com/book_2007_1_oracle_forensics.htm

References

  1. doi:10.1016/j.diin.2008.10.001
    .
  2. ^ "Oracle Database Forensics using LogMiner - GIAC Certified Student Practical". Archived from the original on 2006-04-28. Retrieved 2006-04-08.
  3. ISBN 0-9776715-2-6
    (May 2008)
  4. ISBN 0-470-19118-X
    (Dec 2008)
  5. ISBN 0-321-54436-6
    (Dec 2008)
  6. ^ SANS Institute – Forensic Analysis of a SQL Server 2005 Database Server
  7. ^ Oracle Forensics and Incident Response - databasesecurity.com Archived September 8, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Mick Normington (5 January 2004). "Ready for take off". The Business Journal. Greensboro. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
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