Digital forensics was first used as a synonym for computer forensics. It is the systematic process of identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in a legally permissible manner. Computer forensics is crucial for tracing the perpetrators’ digital footprints and solving the missing puzzle related to cyberattacks. Digital forensics experts gather and preserve information or evidence.

You can take the EC-Council's Digital Forensics Essentials course even if you are yet to gain experience in IT or cybersecurity. High school and college students and career switchers can take the course to advance their careers in cybersecurity.

EC-Council's D|FE course is an entry-level certification program focusing on the fundamentals of Digital Forensics for students with no prior work experience. There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements to apply for the course.

Yes, upon completion of the Digital Forensics Essentials (D|FE) course and passing the proctored exam, EC-Council will certify you, validating your knowledge and skills to implement forensics investigation.

Yes, earning the D|FE certification can help you break into entry-level cybersecurity roles. Digital Forensics Essentials is designed to equip you with foundational technical skills sought by employers, making you eligible for entry-level roles. It provides hands-on training, preparing individuals for real-world challenges in the field. Further, the recognition gained through the EC-Council certification helps you validate your competency and skills in the field.

Yes, D|FE is a 100% online self-paced program so you can learn anytime, anywhere.

This module lays the groundwork for digital investigations, covering core concepts, evidence handling, legal considerations, and investigator roles.

Key topics covered:
• Fundamentals of Computer Forensics
• Digital Evidence
• Forensic Readiness
• Roles and Responsibilities of a Forensic Investigator
• Legal Compliance in Computer Forensics

This module guides you through the structured approach to forensic investigations, from pre-investigation planning to post-investigation reporting, with hands-on labs to solidify your understanding.

Key topics covered:
• Forensic Investigation Process and its Importance
• Forensic Investigation Process – Pre-Investigation Phase
• Forensic Investigation Process – Investigation Phase
• Forensic Investigation Process – Post-Investigation Phase

Labs:
• Performing Hash or HMAC Calculations
• Comparing Hash Values of Files to Check their Integrity or Viewing Files of Various Formats
• Creating a Disk Image File of a Hard Disk Partition

This module dives into the mechanics of storage devices, explores different file system types used by major operating systems, and teaches you how to examine them for evidence. Labs provide practical experience in analyzing file systems and recovering deleted data.

Key topics covered:
• Different Types of Disk Drives and their Characteristics
• Logical Structure of a Disk
• Booting Process of Windows, Linux, and Mac Operating Systems
• File Systems of Windows, Linux, and Mac Operating Systems
• File System Examination

Labs:
• Analyzing the File System of a Linux Image
• Recovering Deleted Files from Hard Disks

This module equips you with methods for securely acquiring digital evidence, including creating forensic disk images and acquiring volatile memory from live systems. Labs walk you through these techniques in a controlled environment.

Key topics covered:
• Data Acquisition Fundamentals
• Types of Data Acquisition
• Data Acquisition Format
• Data Acquisition Methodology

Labs
• Creating a dd Image of a System Drive
• Converting Acquired Image Files to a Bootable Virtual Machine
• Acquiring RAM from Windows Workstations
• Viewing Contents of Forensic Image File

This module explores how criminals attempt to tamper with evidence and teaches countermeasures to ensure data integrity. Hands-on labs provide training in recovering hidden data and bypassing anti-forensic tricks.

Key topics covered:
• Anti-forensics and its Techniques
• Anti-forensics Countermeasures

Labs
• SSD File Carving on a Windows File System
• Recovering Data from Lost/Deleted Disk Partition
• Cracking Application Passwords
• Detecting Steganography

This module focuses on extracting evidence from Windows systems, analyzing memory and registry, examining browser artifacts, and interpreting file metadata. Labs offer practical exercises in acquiring volatile information and investigating forensic images.

Key topics covered:
• Volatile and Non-Volatile Information
• Windows Memory and Registry Analysis
• Cache, Cookie, and History Recorded in Web Browsers
• Windows Files and Metadata

Lab
• Acquiring Volatile Information from a Live Windows System
• Investigating Forensic Images of Windows RAM
• Examining Web Browser Artifacts
• Extracting Information about Loaded Processes on a Computer

This module explores how to investigate evidence on Linux and Mac systems, covering memory forensics, analyzing filesystem images using specialized tools, and specific considerations for each platform. Labs provide practice in forensic analysis on Linux memory dumps.

Key topics covered:
• Volatile and Non-Volatile Data in Linux
• Analyze Filesystem Images Using the Sleuth Kit
• Memory Forensics
• Mac Forensics

Labs:
• Forensic Investigation on a Linux Memory Dump
• Recovering Data from a Linux Memory Dump

This module introduces you to the fundamentals of network forensic investigations, including event correlation, identifying indicators of compromise, and analyzing network traffic for suspicious activity. Labs utilize tools like Wireshark to identify and investigate various network attacks.

Key topics covered:
• Network Forensics Fundamentals
• Event Correlation Concepts and Types
• Identify Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) from Network Logs
• Investigate Network Traffic

Labs
• Identifying and Investigating Various Network Attacks Using Wireshark

This module delves into web application forensics, analyzing web server logs, investigating attacks on Windows servers, and detecting vulnerabilities in web applications. Hands-on labs with tools like Splunk equip you to identify and investigate web application attacks.

Key topics covered:
• Web Application Forensics
• IIS and Apache Web Server Logs
• Investigating Web Attacks on Windows-based Servers
• Detect and Investigate Attacks on Web Applications

Labs:
• Identifying and Investigating Web Application Attacks Using Splunk

This module explores the dark web and its role in criminal activity, teaching you how to investigate evidence related to Tor browser usage and retrieve artifacts from memory dumps. Labs provide practice in detecting Tor and analyzing RAM for evidence.

Key topics covered:
• Dark Web
• Dark Web Forensics
• Tor Browser Forensics

Labs:
• Detecting TOR Browser on a Machine
• Analyzing RAM Dumps to Retrieve TOR Browser Artifacts

This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to investigate email-based crimes, following established procedures to analyze suspicious emails and gather evidence. Labs offer practical experience in investigating a simulated email crime scene.

Key topics covered:
• Email Basics
• Email Crime Investigation and its Steps

Labs:
• Investigating a Suspicious Email

This module explores malware, its various forms and distribution methods. You'll learn about static and dynamic analysis techniques, analyze suspicious documents, and understand how to investigate system and network behavior impacted by malware. Labs provide hands-on experience in malware analysis.

Key topics covered:
• Malware, its Components and Distribution Methods
• • Malware Forensics Fundamentals and Recognize Types of Malware Analysis
• Static Malware Analysis
• Analyze Suspicious Word Documents
• Dynamic Malware Analysis
• System Behavior Analysis
• Network Behavior Analysis

Labs:
• Performing Static Analysis on a Suspicious File
• Forensic Examination of a Suspicious Microsoft Office Document
• Performing System Behaviour Analysis