Validates knowledge of digital forensics, including evidence handling and analysis of disks, operating systems, networks, cloud and mobile.
CHFI tests whether you know how to run a forensic investigation: the legal rules, how to acquire and preserve evidence, and how to analyze it on different systems with the right tools. Learn the six blueprint domains, practice with forensic tools and evidence files, then drill questions.
1Understand the exam
Syllabus
1Forensic science15%
Understand Different Types of Cybercrimes and List Various Forensic Investigation Challenges
Understand the Fundamentals of Computer Forensics and Determine the Roles and Responsibilities of Forensic Investigators
Understand Data Acquisition Concepts and Rules
Understand the Fundamental Concepts and Working of Databases, Cloud Computing, Emails, IOT, Malware (file, fileless, and .NET), and Dark Web
2Regulations, policies and ethics10%
Understand Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Search and Seizure of the Evidence and Evidence Examination
Understand Different Laws and Legal Issues that Impact Forensic Investigations
Understand Various Standards and Best Practices Related to Computer Forensics
Example scenario: An HR manager hands you a laptop and asks you to find proof of misconduct. What must be in place before you start, and how do you record what you do?
3Digital evidence18%
Understand the Fundamental Characteristics and Types of Digital Evidence
Understand the Fundamental Concepts and Working of Desktop and Mobile Operating Systems
Understand Different Types of Logs and their Importance in Forensic Investigations
Understand Various Encoding Standards and Analyze Various File Types
Understand the Fundamental Workings of WAF and MySQL Database
4Procedures and methodology17%
Understand the Forensic Investigation Process
Understand the Methodology to Acquire Data from Different Types of Evidence
Understand the eDiscovery Process
Illustrate Image/Evidence Examination and Event Correlation
Explain Dark Web and Malware Forensics
Example scenario: You arrive at a server that is still running and may hold encryption keys in memory. In what order would you collect evidence, and why?
5Digital forensics29%
Review Various Anti-Forensic Techniques and Ways to Defeat Them
Analyze Various Files Associated with Windows, Linux, and Android Devices
Analyze Various Logs and Perform Network Forensics to Investigate Network Attacks
Analyze Various Logs and Perform Web Application Forensics to Examine Various Web-Based Attacks
Perform Forensics on Databases, Dark Web, Emails, Cloud and IoT devices
Perform Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis in a Sandboxed Environment
Analyze Malware Behavior on System and Network Level, Analyze Malware Persistence, and Analyze Fileless Malware
Perform Digital Forensics using Python
Example scenario: A web server log shows unusual requests just before customer data appeared online. Which artifacts would you examine to rebuild the attack timeline?
6Tools/systems/programs11%
Identify Various Tools to Investigate Operating Systems, Including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS
Determine the Various Tools to Investigate MSSQL, MySQL, Azure, AWS, Emails, and IoT Devices
Identify Various Tools to Perform Network, Web Application, Cloud, Social Media, and Insider Threat Forensics
Read the blueprint and rate yourself on the six domains. Plan extra time for tools and systems you have not used.
Most candidates spend 60–110 hours. Plan for the low end if you already do incident response or digital forensics; add time if forensic tools or evidence handling are new to you.
1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.5 h
3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.53 h
4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.27 h
5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.5 h
3Learn the core concepts
Use the official CHFI v11 material or a course that follows the blueprint, and practice with real forensic tools.