Fundamentals of Digital Forensics Assessment

Assignment 1 – Tasks

This assignment contains TWO tasks. All tasks must be completed, and deliverables submitted through the Learning Management System (LMS). More information about the completion of the assignment and submission will be provided during the weekly classes.

Task 1: Reflection on Hands-On Projects (7.5 Marks)

Complete the following Hands-On Projects GuideCompFor_7e_HoP_Mod01.pdf

Hands-On Project 1-1

Hands-On Project 1-2

Hands-On Project 1-3

Hands-On Project 1-4

Deliverable: Write a 300-500 words reflection on five things learned or discovered by completing these projects, commenting individually on each project.

Task 2: Case Project (7.5 Marks)

For this project, assume you have received two LibreOffice documents from an attorney. Both documents appear to have the same content. One file is named Project_05-4_My_Odyssey_Book_I.odt, while the name of the other file contains an extra “s” in it and is named Project_05-4_My_Odysssey_Book_I.odt. Your task is to analyze and identify the differences between these files. You may need HxD Hex editor tool to complete this task. Follow the steps provided here GuideCompFor_7e_HoP_Mod05-4.pdf

Deliverable: Write a 300-500 words reflection of importance of hashing in digital forensics. Provide screen shots with headings of the steps completed in the project.

Rationale

This assignment covers digital crime, forensic process and procedures, data acquisition and validation, e-evidence, e-discovery tools and equipment. This assignment has been designed to ensure that you are engaging with the subject content on a regular basis.

More specifically it seeks to assess the following Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):

• 2 Knowledge of processes for collecting, packaging, transporting, and storing electronic evidence while maintaining chain of custody
• 1 Skill in collecting, processing, packaging, transporting, and storing electronic evidence to avoid alteration, loss, physical damage, or destruction of data

Presentation

• Ensure all tasks are identified with headings
• Use a single reference list at the end of the assignment document
• Provide in-text citation where applicable
• Submit the assignment in ONE word or pdf file in Please do not submit

*.zip or *.rar or multiple files

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

Assignment 1 for the course focuses on practical engagement with digital forensics concepts and is divided into two tasks, each worth 7.5 marks. The assessment requires students to submit their deliverables via the Learning Management System (LMS).

Key Pointers to Be Covered in the Assessment:

Task 1: Reflection on Hands-On Projects

• Complete Hands-On Projects 1-1 through 1-4 using the provided guide.

• Write a 300–500 word reflection highlighting five key things learned or discovered.

• Comment individually on each project.

Task 2: Case Project

• Compare two LibreOffice documents with slightly different filenames to identify content differences.

• Use tools like HxD Hex Editor if necessary.

• Write a 300–500 word reflection on the importance of hashing in digital forensics.

• Include screenshots with headings showing steps completed.

Rationale and Learning Objectives:

• Reinforce understanding of digital crime, forensic processes, procedures, data acquisition, and validation.

• Engage with e-evidence and e-discovery tools.

• Assess course learning outcomes (CLOs) including:

  1. Knowledge of processes for handling electronic evidence while maintaining chain of custody.

  2. Skill in collecting, processing, transporting, and storing electronic evidence to avoid alteration, loss, or damage.

Presentation Requirements:

• Clearly identify all tasks with headings.

• Include in-text citations and a single reference list.

• Submit as a single Word or PDF file (no ZIP or multiple files).

Explanation of the Assessment Approach by Academic Mentor

Step-by-Step Guidance Provided to the Student:

Step 1: Understanding Task 1 (Hands-On Projects)

• The mentor instructed the student to review the Hands-On Projects guide carefully.

• Each project (1-1 through 1-4) was completed individually.

• The mentor guided the student to reflect on each project separately, identifying key learnings and challenges encountered.

• The student was encouraged to write concisely (300–500 words) and focus on practical insights gained from each exercise.

Step 2: Understanding Task 2 (Case Project)

• The mentor explained the scenario of the two similar LibreOffice documents and highlighted the importance of identifying subtle differences.

• The student was guided to use the HxD Hex Editor to analyze the binary differences and understand how hashing can validate file integrity.

• The mentor emphasized capturing screenshots at each step and adding headings for clarity.

• Reflection writing focused on the significance of hashing in digital forensics, linking the task to real-world forensic practices.

Step 3: Integration and Submission

• The student was instructed to combine both tasks into a single Word or PDF file.

• All tasks were clearly separated with headings.

• References were included where applicable, with in-text citations to support any claims or explanations.

• Final review ensured compliance with submission guidelines.

Outcome and Learning Achieved

• Outcome: A complete assignment with reflections for all Hands-On Projects and the Case Project, including screenshots and proper documentation of steps followed.

• Learning Objectives Covered:

  1. Practical understanding of digital forensic processes.

  2. Skills in using forensic tools for file comparison and validation.

  3. Knowledge of data acquisition, integrity, and chain of custody principles.

  4. Improved ability to document forensic processes clearly and professionally.

• Additional Skills Developed: Critical thinking, analytical comparison of digital evidence, reflection on applied techniques, and professional presentation of findings.

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