Data Hiding Techniques in Windows OS

Data Hiding Techniques in Windows OS
Author: Nihad Ahmad Hassan
Publisher: Syngress
Total Pages: 326
Release: 2016-09-08
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0128044969

- "This unique book delves down into the capabilities of hiding and obscuring data object within the Windows Operating System. However, one of the most noticeable and credible features of this publication is, it takes the reader from the very basics and background of data hiding techniques, and run's on the reading-road to arrive at some of the more complex methodologies employed for concealing data object from the human eye and/or the investigation. As a practitioner in the Digital Age, I can see this book siting on the shelves of Cyber Security Professionals, and those working in the world of Digital Forensics – it is a recommended read, and is in my opinion a very valuable asset to those who are interested in the landscape of unknown unknowns. This is a book which may well help to discover more about that which is not in immediate view of the onlooker, and open up the mind to expand its imagination beyond its accepted limitations of known knowns." - John Walker, CSIRT/SOC/Cyber Threat Intelligence Specialist - Featured in Digital Forensics Magazine, February 2017 In the digital world, the need to protect online communications increase as the technology behind it evolves. There are many techniques currently available to encrypt and secure our communication channels. Data hiding techniques can take data confidentiality to a new level as we can hide our secret messages in ordinary, honest-looking data files. Steganography is the science of hiding data. It has several categorizations, and each type has its own techniques in hiding. Steganography has played a vital role in secret communication during wars since the dawn of history. In recent days, few computer users successfully manage to exploit their Windows® machine to conceal their private data. Businesses also have deep concerns about misusing data hiding techniques. Many employers are amazed at how easily their valuable information can get out of their company walls. In many legal cases a disgruntled employee would successfully steal company private data despite all security measures implemented using simple digital hiding techniques. Human right activists who live in countries controlled by oppressive regimes need ways to smuggle their online communications without attracting surveillance monitoring systems, continuously scan in/out internet traffic for interesting keywords and other artifacts. The same applies to journalists and whistleblowers all over the world. Computer forensic investigators, law enforcements officers, intelligence services and IT security professionals need a guide to tell them where criminals can conceal their data in Windows® OS & multimedia files and how they can discover concealed data quickly and retrieve it in a forensic way. Data Hiding Techniques in Windows OS is a response to all these concerns. Data hiding topics are usually approached in most books using an academic method, with long math equations about how each hiding technique algorithm works behind the scene, and are usually targeted at people who work in the academic arenas. This book teaches professionals and end users alike how they can hide their data and discover the hidden ones using a variety of ways under the most commonly used operating system on earth, Windows®.

Absolute OpenBSD, 2nd Edition

Absolute OpenBSD, 2nd Edition
Author: Michael W. Lucas
Publisher: No Starch Press
Total Pages: 540
Release: 2013-04-15
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1593275234

OpenBSD, the elegant, highly secure Unix-like operating system, is widely used as the basis for critical DNS servers, routers, firewalls, and more. This long-awaited second edition of Absolute OpenBSD maintains author Michael Lucas's trademark straightforward and practical approach that readers have enjoyed for years. You'll learn the intricacies of the platform, the technical details behind certain design decisions, and best practices, with bits of humor sprinkled throughout. This edition has been completely updated for OpenBSD 5.3, including new coverage of OpenBSD's boot system, security features like W^X and ProPolice, and advanced networking techniques. You'll learn how to: –Manage network traffic with VLANs, trunks, IPv6, and the PF packet filter –Make software management quick and effective using the ports and packages system –Give users only the access they need with groups, sudo, and chroots –Configure OpenBSD's secure implementations of SNMP, DHCP, NTP, hardware sensors, and more –Customize the installation and upgrade processes for your network and hardware, or build a custom OpenBSD release Whether you're a new user looking for a complete introduction to OpenBSD or an experienced sysadmin looking for a refresher, Absolute OpenBSD, 2nd Edition will give you everything you need to master the intricacies of the world's most secure operating system.

File System Forensic Analysis

File System Forensic Analysis
Author: Brian Carrier
Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional
Total Pages: 895
Release: 2005-03-17
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0134439546

The Definitive Guide to File System Analysis: Key Concepts and Hands-on Techniques Most digital evidence is stored within the computer's file system, but understanding how file systems work is one of the most technically challenging concepts for a digital investigator because there exists little documentation. Now, security expert Brian Carrier has written the definitive reference for everyone who wants to understand and be able to testify about how file system analysis is performed. Carrier begins with an overview of investigation and computer foundations and then gives an authoritative, comprehensive, and illustrated overview of contemporary volume and file systems: Crucial information for discovering hidden evidence, recovering deleted data, and validating your tools. Along the way, he describes data structures, analyzes example disk images, provides advanced investigation scenarios, and uses today's most valuable open source file system analysis tools—including tools he personally developed. Coverage includes Preserving the digital crime scene and duplicating hard disks for "dead analysis" Identifying hidden data on a disk's Host Protected Area (HPA) Reading source data: Direct versus BIOS access, dead versus live acquisition, error handling, and more Analyzing DOS, Apple, and GPT partitions; BSD disk labels; and Sun Volume Table of Contents using key concepts, data structures, and specific techniques Analyzing the contents of multiple disk volumes, such as RAID and disk spanning Analyzing FAT, NTFS, Ext2, Ext3, UFS1, and UFS2 file systems using key concepts, data structures, and specific techniques Finding evidence: File metadata, recovery of deleted files, data hiding locations, and more Using The Sleuth Kit (TSK), Autopsy Forensic Browser, and related open source tools When it comes to file system analysis, no other book offers this much detail or expertise. Whether you're a digital forensics specialist, incident response team member, law enforcement officer, corporate security specialist, or auditor, this book will become an indispensable resource for forensic investigations, no matter what analysis tools you use.

CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One For Dummies

CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One For Dummies
Author: Glen E. Clarke
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 1088
Release: 2009-09-24
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0470570032

Nine minibooks cover everything you need to earn the A+ certification CompTIA's A+ certification is the industry-leading entry-level certification for IT professionals, and this guide is the quick, easy way to prepare for the test. 1,200 pages of up-to-date information correlates with both the hardware and operating system exams and serves as a reference after the test-taking is completed. The minibooks cover each domain of the exam: A+ Groundwork, Inside the Box, Outside the Box, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Operating System Basics, Managing The Operating System, Recovering Systems, Networking, and Securing Systems. You'll find plenty of sample test questions to get you prepared, too. CompTIA's A+ certification is vendor-neutral and validates the skills of entry-level computer technicians; it can be the ticket to a new or better job Certification requires successful completion of two exams; this prep guide covers all the core competencies required Nine minibooks cover A+ Groundwork, Inside the Box, Outside the Box, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, Operating System Basics, Managing The Operating System, Recovering Systems, Networking, and Securing Systems Covers installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance, and basic networking, with extra information about Vista and a heavier emphasis on hardware Companion CD-ROM include the Dummies Test Engine, an exclusive, fully customizable test-prep software package that includes 400 exam review questions CompTIA A+ Certification All-In-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the best study guide to have as you prepare for the A+ exams! Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

PC Hardware in a Nutshell

PC Hardware in a Nutshell
Author: Robert Bruce Thompson
Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
Total Pages: 877
Release: 2003-07-24
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0596552343

PC Hardware in a Nutshell is the practical guide to buying, building, upgrading, and repairing Intel-based PCs. A longtime favorite among PC users, the third edition of the book now contains useful information for people running either Windows or Linux operating systems. Written for novices and seasoned professionals alike, the book is packed with useful and unbiased information, including how-to advice for specific components, ample reference material, and a comprehensive case study on building a PC.In addition to coverage of the fundamentals and general tips about working on PCs, the book includes chapters focusing on motherboards, processors, memory, floppies, hard drives, optical drives, tape devices, video devices, input devices, audio components, communications, power supplies, and maintenance. Special emphasis is given to upgrading and troubleshooting existing equipment so you can get the most from your existing investments.This new edition is expanded to include: Detailed information about the latest motherboards and chipsets from AMD, Intel, SiS, and VIA Extensive coverage of the Pentium 4 and the latest AMD processors, including the Athlon XP/MP Full details about new hard drive standards, including the latest SCSI standards, ATA/133, Serial ATA, and the new 48-bit "Big Drive" ATA interface Extended coverage of DVD drives, including DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, and DVD+R/RW Details about Flat Panel Displays, including how to choose one (and why you might not want to) New chapters on serial communications, parallel communications, and USB communications (including USB 2.0) Enhanced troubleshooting coverage PC Hardware in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition provides independent, useful and practical information in a no-nonsense manner with specific recommendations on components. Based on real-world testing over time, it will help you make intelligent, informed decisions about buying, building, upgrading, and repairing PCs in a cost effective manner that will help you maximize new or existing computer hardware systems. It's loaded with real-world advice presented in a concise style that clearly delivers just the information you want, without your having to hunt for it.

Scene of the Cybercrime

Scene of the Cybercrime
Author: Debra Littlejohn Shinder
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 745
Release: 2008-07-21
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 0080486991

When it comes to computer crimes, the criminals got a big head start. But the law enforcement and IT security communities are now working diligently to develop the knowledge, skills, and tools to successfully investigate and prosecute Cybercrime cases. When the first edition of "Scene of the Cybercrime" published in 2002, it was one of the first books that educated IT security professionals and law enforcement how to fight Cybercrime. Over the past 5 years a great deal has changed in how computer crimes are perpetrated and subsequently investigated. Also, the IT security and law enforcement communities have dramatically improved their ability to deal with Cybercrime, largely as a result of increased spending and training. According to the 2006 Computer Security Institute's and FBI's joint Cybercrime report: 52% of companies reported unauthorized use of computer systems in the prior 12 months. Each of these incidents is a Cybecrime requiring a certain level of investigation and remediation. And in many cases, an investigation is mandates by federal compliance regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, or the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard. Scene of the Cybercrime, Second Edition is a completely revised and updated book which covers all of the technological, legal, and regulatory changes, which have occurred since the first edition. The book is written for dual audience; IT security professionals and members of law enforcement. It gives the technical experts a little peek into the law enforcement world, a highly structured environment where the "letter of the law" is paramount and procedures must be followed closely lest an investigation be contaminated and all the evidence collected rendered useless. It also provides law enforcement officers with an idea of some of the technical aspects of how cyber crimes are committed, and how technology can be used to track down and build a case against the criminals who commit them. Scene of the Cybercrime, Second Editions provides a roadmap that those on both sides of the table can use to navigate the legal and technical landscape to understand, prevent, detect, and successfully prosecute the criminal behavior that is as much a threat to the online community as "traditional" crime is to the neighborhoods in which we live. Also included is an all new chapter on Worldwide Forensics Acts and Laws. - Companion Web site provides custom tools and scripts, which readers can download for conducting digital, forensic investigations - Special chapters outline how Cybercrime investigations must be reported and investigated by corporate IT staff to meet federal mandates from Sarbanes Oxley, and the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard - Details forensic investigative techniques for the most common operating systems (Windows, Linux and UNIX) as well as cutting edge devices including iPods, Blackberries, and cell phones

MCSE Training Guide (70-270)

MCSE Training Guide (70-270)
Author: Gord Barker
Publisher: Que Publishing
Total Pages: 760
Release: 2002
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9780789727732

Annotation Expert Insight. Both authors are Microsoft-certified Windows XP specialists. Comprehensive. Organized according to the actual exam objectives, our Training Guide series features Exam Tips, Study Strategies, Step-by-Step Exercises, Case Studies, Summaries & Review Breaks, Review Questions, Exam Questions, Hands-On Exercises, Guided Practice Exercises, Fast Facts, etc. - providing readers with the most effective learning tools in the marketplace. Innovative. Our Training Guide series features our acclaimed Exam Gear software - enhancing our readers' learning experience by providing them with powerful test simulation. About the Author: Robert L. Bogue, MCSE, CNA, A+, Network+, I-Net+, Server+, e-Biz+, IT Project+, and CDIA+, has contributed to over 100 book projects, numerous magazine articles, and reviews. His broad experience has led him to networking and integration topics as well as software development. nbsp; Gord Barker, MCSE, currently works as a Senior Consultant for Microsoft Canada Co. in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He worked with Telus to complete the largest single rollout of Windows 2000 to occur prior to the product launch. He currently works with large customers to deploy Microsoft technology.

Microsoft Windows 7 Administrator's Reference

Microsoft Windows 7 Administrator's Reference
Author: Jorge Orchilles
Publisher: Syngress
Total Pages: 672
Release: 2010-06-03
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 159749562X

Microsoft Windows 7 Administrators Reference covers various aspects of Windows 7 systems, including its general information as well as installation and upgrades. This reference explains how to deploy, use, and manage the operating system. The book is divided into 10 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the Windows 7 and the rationale of releasing this operating system. The next chapter discusses how an administrator can install and upgrade the old operating system from Windows Vista to Windows 7. The deployment of Windows 7 in an organization or other environment is then explained. It also provides the information needed to deploy Windows 7 easily and quickly for both the administrator and end users. Furthermore, the book provides the features of Windows 7 and the ways to manage it properly. The remaining chapters discuss how to secure Windows 7, as well as how to troubleshoot it. This book will serve as a reference and guide for those who want to utilize Windows 7. - Covers Powershell V2, Bitlocker, and mobility issues - Includes comprehensive details for configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting - Consists of content written for system administrators by system administrators

Windows XP in a Nutshell

Windows XP in a Nutshell
Author: David Aaron Karp
Publisher: "O'Reilly Media, Inc."
Total Pages: 700
Release: 2005
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 9780596009007

Discusses how to install, run, and configure Windows XP for both the home and office, explaining how to connect to the Internet, design a LAN, and share drives and printers, and includes tips and troubleshooting techniques.

The construction of the hard drive logic structure

The construction of the hard drive logic structure
Author: Noite.pl
Publisher: NOITE S.C.
Total Pages: 14
Release:
Genre:
ISBN:

Hammer and chisel will not be needed to understand how the hard drive operates. Storage devices in computers have come a long way. Today, we observe that the mechanical hard drives are beeing replaced by SSD. However, the concept of operation of mechanical disks (eg, head, sector) will be used for new construction of disks, for a long time. The administrator will certainly need to know the sturucture of hard disk if one will have to retrieve the overwritten MBR.