Network forensics is the practice of capturing, analyzing, and investigating network traffic to detect and understand cyber incidents and security breaches. This process involves examining network data to identify malicious activities, trace the origins of attacks, and gather evidence for remediation and legal actions. By analyzing network traffic, organizations can gain insights into the nature of security threats and enhance their ability to respond effectively.
For example, consider a situation where an organization experiences unusual network traffic spikes during non-business hours. Network forensic analysis could reveal that the spikes are caused by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, where multiple compromised systems flood the network with excessive traffic. By examining network logs and traffic patterns, forensic investigators can pinpoint the sources of the attack, understand the attack vector, and take steps to mitigate the impact and prevent future occurrences.
Another example involves a data breach where sensitive information is leaked from a company’s network. Network forensics can be used to trace the data exfiltration by analyzing network traffic and identifying abnormal outbound connections or large data transfers to unauthorized destinations. For instance, if an employee’s credentials were compromised and used to access and extract confidential files, network forensic analysis can help determine when and how the breach occurred, identify the compromised accounts, and implement measures to secure the network and prevent further data loss.