Web Browser Forensic Tools: Autopsy, BHE and NetAnalysis

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue V, May 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

Web Browser Forensic Tools: Autopsy, BHE and NetAnalysis

Hassan Adamu¹, Abdullahi Adamu Ahmad², Adamu Hassan³, Sa’ad Barau Gambasha^4
1Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa State, Nigeria
²Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Kano State, Nigeria
³Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, Kogi State, Nigeria
⁴Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract—Information and communication technology (ICT) are becoming an integral part of everyone´s lives which affects all sectors of human activity. Nowadays, the level of computer crimes rises and it is alarming, for such, digital forensic investigation plays a vital role in tackling computer-related crimes such as cyberbullying, fraud, cyber intrusion, hacking an et cetera. The main goal of digital forensic investigation is to preserve any evidence found in its most original form and to make sure that the evidence is not tempered. Digital forensic investigators use log files to extract, analyse and present a report based on the criminal activities found on the web browsers, such log files include history, cache, download and cookies. This survey paper evaluates the features of the three selected web browsers forensic tools namely; Browser History Examiner, Autopsy and NetAnalysis, and make comparative analysis between them. The findings of the evaluation based on the features of the selected tools shows that Autopsy is the best forensic tool among them. Therefore, in this paper, Autopsy has been recommended fora digital investigator or examiner to use as their forensic tool among others.

Keyword –Web Browsers, Digital Forensic Tools, Autopsy, NetAnalysis, Browser History Examiner.

I.INTRODUCTION

This survey paper focuses on web browsers forensic tools. A web browser is a computer program or application that is use to surf an internet. Nowadays, millions of people use to search an information through web browsers, such information include checking emails, online transactions, downloading educational materials, social networking, online banking and others [1].
Digital criminals usually conduct their criminal activities via web browsers. As such, it is very important for digital forensic examiners to acquire, extract and analyse the evidences found from the suspect with respect to the usage of the web browsers [2]. There are several web browsers that are available online which includes Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and many more.

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