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Learning Python for Forensics

You're reading from   Learning Python for Forensics Leverage the power of Python in forensic investigations

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Product type Paperback
Published in Jan 2019
Publisher Packt
ISBN-13 9781789341690
Length 476 pages
Edition 2nd Edition
Languages
Concepts
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Authors (2):
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Preston Miller Preston Miller
Author Profile Icon Preston Miller
Preston Miller
Chapin Bryce Chapin Bryce
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Chapin Bryce
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Table of Contents (15) Chapters Close

Preface 1. Now for Something Completely Different FREE CHAPTER 2. Python Fundamentals 3. Parsing Text Files 4. Working with Serialized Data Structures 5. Databases in Python 6. Extracting Artifacts from Binary Files 7. Fuzzy Hashing 8. The Media Age 9. Uncovering Time 10. Rapidly Triaging Systems 11. Parsing Outlook PST Containers 12. Recovering Transient Database Records 13. Coming Full Circle 14. Other Books You May Enjoy

Now for Something Completely Different

This book presents Python as a necessary tool to optimize digital forensic analysis—written from an examiner's perspective. In the first two chapters, we introduce the basics of Python in preparation for the remainder of this book, where we will develop scripts to accomplish forensic tasks. While focused on the use of the language as a tool, we will also explore the advantages of Python and how they allow many individuals in the field to create solutions for complex forensic challenges. Like Monty Python, Python's namesake, the next 12 chapters aim to present something completely different.

In this fast-paced field, a scripting language provides flexible problem solving in an automated fashion, allowing the examiner additional time to investigate other artifacts that, due to time constraints, may not have been analyzed as thoroughly otherwise. Admittedly, Python may not always be the right tool to complete the task at hand, but it is an invaluable tool to add to anyone's DFIR arsenal. Should you undertake the task of mastering Python, it will more than pay off the time investment as you will increase your analysis capabilities many fold and greatly diversify your skill set. This chapter outlines the basics of Python, from Hello World to core scripting concepts.

This chapter will cover the following topics:

  • An introduction to Python and healthy development practices
  • Basic programming concepts
  • Manipulating and storing objects in Python
  • Creating simple conditionals, loops, and functions
You have been reading a chapter from
Learning Python for Forensics - Second Edition
Published in: Jan 2019
Publisher: Packt
ISBN-13: 9781789341690
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