Abstract
Generating timelines, i.e., sorting events by their respective timestamps, is an essential technique commonly used in digital forensic investigations. But timestamps are not the only source of timing information. For example, sequence numbers embedded in databases or positional information, such as the line numbers in log files, often contain implicit information about the order of events without directly referencing a timestamp. We present a method that can integrate such timing information into digital forensic timelines by separating sources of timing information into distinct time domains, each with its own timeline, and then connecting these timelines based on relations observed within digital evidence. The classical “flat” timeline is thereby extended into a “rich” partial order, which we call hyper timeline. Our technique allows ordering of events without timestamps and opens a rich set of possibilities to identify and characterize timestamp inconsistencies, e.g., those that arise from timestamp tampering.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Forensic Science International: Digital Investigation
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.