👨🏻‍💻 Day in a Life of a DFIR Analyst

19 min readDec 31, 2022

Section: 1. Meet with client and understand their problem
Section: 2. Find out what happened and when
Section: 3. Determine if the incident has been contained
Section: 4. Identify artifacts of the attack
Section: 5. Establish a chain of custody for data collection and analysis
Section: 6. Collect evidence from various sources, including log files, email servers, web servers, people who may have witnessed the incident, etc…
Section: 7. Ensure you maintain chain-of-custody for all evidence collected and analyzed
Section: 8. Analyze data to determine the method used by the attacker to gain access to systems and compromise information assets
Section: 9. Work with the client to build a remediation plan and fix problem areas identified in the DFIR report/presentation
Takeaway: Understanding as much about digital forensics as possible will be key in my career path

“The Day in the life of a DFIR analyst” is a compelling look into the daily routine of a digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) professional. From analyzing cyber attacks and identifying malicious activity to collaborating with teams and reporting on findings, the role of a DFIR analyst is constantly evolving and requires a unique set of skills and expertise. This abstract delves into the challenges and rewards of working in the DFIR field, offering a glimpse into the fast-paced and high-stakes world of cyber security. With insider insights and real-world examples, “The Day in the Life of a DFIR Analyst” is a must-read for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this exciting and important field.

As a DFIR analyst, no two days are the same. One day you may be called upon to investigate a data breach at a large corporation, while the next you could be analyzing a suspicious email sent to a government agency. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work under pressure.

In addition to responding to incidents, DFIR analysts also play a crucial role in proactively identifying and mitigating potential threats. This may involve conducting threat-hunting exercises, analyzing logs and network traffic, and implementing security controls to prevent future attacks.

Aside from technical skills, DFIR analysts must also be excellent communicators and have the ability to work well with cross-functional teams. They may be required to report their findings to upper management, law enforcement, or other stakeholders, and must be able to clearly articulate the details of an incident and provide recommendations for remediation.

Overall, the job of a DFIR analyst is demanding and challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. It offers the opportunity to make a significant impact in the fight against cybercrime, and to work with some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the field.

Section: 1. Meet with client and understand their problem
As a DFIR analyst, one of the first steps in responding to a client’s problem is to meet with them and understand the specifics of the issue they are facing. This may involve having a call or in-person meeting with the client to discuss the details of the incident and gather any relevant information.

During this meeting, it is important for the DFIR analyst to listen actively and ask clarifying questions to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of the problem. The analyst should also take notes and document any relevant details, as this information will be crucial for conducting a thorough investigation.

Once the meeting is complete, the DFIR analyst should review the notes and information gathered to get a clear sense of the scope and nature of the issue. From there, they can develop a plan for conducting the investigation and take the necessary steps to begin the process of identifying the cause of the problem and finding a solution.

During the initial meeting with the client, the DFIR analyst may also ask the client about their current security posture and any measures they have in place to protect their systems and data. This information can be helpful in understanding the potential risks and vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the incident.

The DFIR analyst may also ask the client about their expectations for the investigation and any deadlines or constraints that need to be taken into consideration. It is important for the analyst to be transparent with the client about the limitations of the investigation and the potential outcomes.

After the initial meeting, the DFIR analyst may need to conduct additional research and gather more information about the incident. This may involve reviewing logs, analyzing network traffic, or using specialized tools and techniques to identify the cause of the problem. The analyst should also work closely with the client to keep them informed of the progress of the investigation and address any questions or concerns they may have.

Ultimately, the goal of the DFIR analyst is to provide the client with a thorough and accurate understanding of the incident, as well as recommendations for addressing and mitigating any potential threats.

Section: 2. Find out what happened and when
As part of the investigation process, a DFIR analyst will work to identify what happened and when in relation to a cyber incident. This involves gathering and analyzing various types of data and evidence, including logs, network traffic, and system configurations. The analyst may also use specialized tools and techniques to conduct forensic analysis of affected systems and devices.

One of the key goals of the investigation is to determine the timeline of the incident, including when it started, when it was detected, and what actions were taken in response. This information is crucial for understanding the scope and impact of the incident, as well as identifying any potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses that may have contributed to the problem.

In order to accurately determine what happened and when the DFIR analyst must be meticulous and thorough in their analysis. They must also be able to interpret complex data and draw conclusions based on the available evidence. It is important for analyst to document their findings and keep clear and detailed records of their work, as this information may be used in reports or legal proceedings.

In addition to analyzing technical data, the DFIR analyst may also need to gather information from other sources, such as employees or stakeholders, to get a more complete understanding of the incident. This may involve conducting interviews or surveys to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the incident and any potential indicators of compromise.

Once the DFIR analyst has a clear understanding of what happened and when they can begin to piece together the events leading up to the incident and identify any potential causes or contributing factors. This may involve analyzing the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the attacker, as well as any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the system that may have allowed the attack to occur.

Based on their analysis, the DFIR analyst can then develop a report outlining the key findings of the investigation and provide recommendations for addressing and mitigating the issue. This report may be shared with the client, upper management, or other stakeholders as part of the incident response process.

Section: 3. Determine if the incident has been contained
As part of the incident response process, it is important for a DFIR analyst to determine if an incident has been contained and whether any further action is required. This involves assessing the impact of the incident and identifying any remaining risks or vulnerabilities that may need to be addressed.

To determine if an incident has been contained, the DFIR analyst may need to take a number of steps, including:
1. Identifying the source and scope of the incident: The analyst should determine the origin of the attack and the systems and data that were affected.
2. Isolating and containing the affected systems: The analyst may need to take steps to disconnect affected systems from the network or shut them down to prevent further damage or compromise.
3. Removing any remaining threats: The analyst should identify and remove any remaining malware or other malicious code that may have been left behind.
4. Patching vulnerabilities: The analyst should identify and patch any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the system that may have contributed to the incident.
5. Restoring systems and data: The analyst should work with the client to restore any affected systems and data to their original state.
Once these steps have been completed, the DFIR analyst can assess whether the incident has been contained and whether any further action is required. If the incident has been successfully contained, the analyst may recommend that the client take additional steps to prevent future incidents, such as implementing additional security controls or conducting regular security assessments.

It is important to note that incident containment is a continuous process, and the DFIR analyst may need to take further action to ensure that the incident is fully resolved and that all remaining risks have been addressed. This may involve monitoring the affected systems for any signs of ongoing compromise or conducting additional forensic analysis to identify any remaining indicators of compromise.

In addition to assessing the technical aspects of the incident, the DFIR analyst should also consider the impact on the client’s business operations and any potential legal or regulatory implications. The analyst may need to work with other stakeholders, such as upper management or legal counsel, to ensure that the incident is properly addressed and that any necessary reporting or disclosures are made.

Ultimately, the goal of the DFIR analyst is to ensure that the incident is fully contained and that the client’s systems and data are restored to a secure state. This may involve a combination of technical and non-technical measures and may require ongoing collaboration and communication with the client and other stakeholders.

Section: 4. Identify artifacts of the attack
As part of the incident response process, a DFIR analyst may be called upon to identify artifacts of an attack, or evidence left behind by the attacker. These artifacts can provide valuable clues about the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the attacker and can help the analyst understand the nature and scope of the incident.

There are many different types of artifacts that a DFIR analyst may look for, including:
1. System logs: System logs can provide information about system activity, including user logins, file access, and network connections.
2. Network traffic: Analyzing network traffic can help the analyst identify any suspicious or unusual traffic patterns that may be indicative of an attack.
3. Malware or other malicious code: The analyst may use specialized tools and techniques to identify and analyze any malware or other malicious code that may have been used in the attack.
4. System configurations: Examining system configurations can help the analyst understand how the system was set up and identify any changes that may have been made by the attacker.
5. User activity: Analyzing user activity, including file access and system changes, can help the analyst understand the actions taken by the attacker.
By identifying and analyzing these artifacts, the DFIR analyst can gain a deeper understanding of the incident and develop a more effective response.

In addition to the artifacts listed above, the DFIR analyst may also look for other types of evidence, such as documents or files that may have been accessed or modified by the attacker. The analyst may also examine the client’s network infrastructure, including routers, firewalls, and other security devices, to identify any potential indicators of compromise.

To identify artifacts and other evidence, the DFIR analyst may use a variety of tools and techniques, including forensic software, log analysis tools, and network traffic analysis tools. It is important for the analyst to use these tools in a forensic manner, following established best practices to ensure the integrity of the evidence and avoid contamination.

Once the DFIR analyst has identified and analyzed the artifacts of the attack, they can use this information to understand the TTPs used by the attacker and develop a more effective response. This may involve implementing additional security controls, patching vulnerabilities, or taking other measures to prevent future attacks.

Section: 5. Establish a chain of custody for data collection and analysis
Establishing a chain of custody for data collection and analysis is an important step in the incident response process, as it helps ensure the integrity and authenticity of the evidence being collected. The chain of custody is a record of the handling of physical or digital evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in a court of law or other legal proceedings.

To establish a chain of custody, the DFIR analyst should take the following steps:
1. Identify and document the evidence: The analyst should identify and document the specific evidence that will be collected and analyzed, including the location and context in which it was found.
2. Secure the evidence: The analyst should take steps to secure the evidence and prevent it from being altered or contaminated in any way. This may involve securing physical evidence in a secure location or creating a forensic image of a digital device.
3. Document the handling of the evidence: The analyst should document every step in the handling of the evidence, including who collected it, who transported it, and who analyzed it.
4. Maintain the integrity of the evidence: The analyst should take care to maintain the integrity of the evidence throughout the process, ensuring that it is not altered or contaminated in any way.
By following these steps, the DFIR analyst can establish a clear and reliable chain of custody for the evidence being collected and analyzed, which can be used to demonstrate the authenticity and reliability of the evidence in a legal setting.

It is important for the DFIR analyst to follow established best practices and guidelines when establishing a chain of custody for data collection and analysis. This may include following guidelines from organizations such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACIS) or the NIST framework.

In addition to documenting the handling of the evidence, the DFIR analyst should also consider the security of the evidence throughout the process. This may involve protecting physical evidence from being damaged or lost, and ensuring that digital evidence is stored in a secure manner.

When collecting and analyzing digital evidence, the DFIR analyst should also consider the potential impact on the client’s systems and data. It is important to minimize the disruption caused by the investigation and to ensure that any changes made to the system are properly documented and reversible.

Ultimately, the goal of establishing a chain of custody for data collection and analysis is to ensure that the evidence collected is reliable and admissible in a legal setting. This is especially important in cases where the evidence may be used to prosecute cyber criminals or to defend against legal action.

Section: 6. Collect evidence from various sources, including log files, email servers, web servers, people who may have witnessed the incident, etc…
As part of the incident response process, a DFIR analyst may be called upon to collect evidence from a variety of sources in order to understand the nature and scope of the incident. This may include log files, email servers, web servers, and other systems and devices. The analyst may also need to collect evidence from people who may have witnessed the incident or have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding it.

To collect evidence from these various sources, the DFIR analyst should follow established best practices and guidelines to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the evidence. This may involve using forensic software and techniques to create copies of log files and other data, or interviewing individuals to gather information about the incident.

It is important for the DFIR analyst to be thorough and systematic in their evidence collection, as even seemingly insignificant details can be important in understanding the incident and developing an effective response. The analyst should also document their evidence-collection efforts and maintain a clear and complete record of the evidence collected.

Once the evidence has been collected, the DFIR analyst can begin the process of analyzing it to identify the cause of the incident and develop a plan for addressing and mitigating any remaining risks.

In order to collect evidence from various sources effectively, the DFIR analyst should have a clear understanding of the scope and nature of the incident and the types of evidence that are likely to be relevant. This may involve reviewing available information about the incident, such as reports or alerts, to get a sense of the systems and data that were affected and the potential impact of the incident.

Once the analyst has identified the sources of evidence that are likely to be relevant, they should take steps to secure and preserve the evidence. This may involve creating forensic copies of log files and other data or securing physical evidence in a secure location. It is important to follow established best practices and guidelines to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the evidence.

The DFIR analyst should also consider the potential legal implications of the evidence collection process and ensure that it is conducted in a manner that is consistent with relevant laws and regulations. This may involve working with legal counsel or following guidelines from organizations such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACIS) or the NIST framework.

Overall, the goal of collecting evidence from various sources is to gather as much relevant information as possible about the incident, which can be used to understand the cause of the problem and develop an effective response.

Section: 7. Ensure you maintain chain-of-custody for all evidence collected and analyzed
Maintaining a chain of custody for all evidence collected and analyzed is an important step in the incident response process, as it helps ensure the integrity and authenticity of the evidence. A chain of custody is a record of the handling of physical or digital evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in a court of law or other legal proceedings.

To ensure that a chain of custody is maintained for all evidence collected and analyzed, the DFIR analyst should follow established best practices and guidelines. This may include:
1. Identifying and documenting the evidence: The analyst should identify and document the specific evidence that will be collected and analyzed, including the location and context in which it was found.
2. Securing the evidence: The analyst should take steps to secure the evidence and prevent it from being altered or contaminated in any way. This may involve securing physical evidence in a secure location or creating a forensic image of a digital device.
3. Documenting the handling of the evidence: The analyst should document every step in the handling of the evidence, including who collected it, who transported it, and who analyzed it.
4. Maintaining the integrity of the evidence: The analyst should take care to maintain the integrity of the evidence throughout the process, ensuring that it is not altered or contaminated in any way.

By following these steps, the DFIR analyst can ensure that a chain of custody is maintained for all evidence collected and analyzed, which can be used to demonstrate the authenticity and reliability of the evidence in a legal setting.

It is important for the DFIR analyst to follow established best practices and guidelines when establishing and maintaining a chain of custody for evidence. This may include following guidelines from organizations such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACIS) or the NIST framework.

Ultimately, the goal of maintaining a chain of custody for evidence is to ensure that the evidence collected is reliable and admissible in a legal setting. This is especially important in cases where the evidence may be used to prosecute cyber criminals or to defend against legal action.

Section: 8. Analyze data to determine the method used by the attacker to gain access to systems and compromise information assets
As part of the incident response process, a DFIR analyst may be called upon to analyze data to determine the method used by an attacker to gain access to systems and compromise information assets. This process involves collecting and analyzing various types of data and evidence, including log files, network traffic, system configurations, and other relevant information.

To analyze the data, the DFIR analyst may use a variety of tools and techniques, including forensic software, log analysis tools, and network traffic analysis tools. It is important for the analyst to use these tools in a forensic manner, following established best practices to ensure the integrity of the evidence and avoid contamination.

As the analyst conducts their analysis, they should look for clues about the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by the attacker, as well as any vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the system that may have allowed the attack to occur. This may involve analyzing the sequence of events leading up to the incident, identifying any indicators of compromise, and examining the attacker’s TTPs to understand how they gained access to the system.

Once the DFIR analyst has a clear understanding of the method used by the attacker to gain access to the system and compromise information assets, they can develop a plan for addressing and mitigating the issue. This may involve implementing additional security controls, patching vulnerabilities, or taking other measures to prevent future attacks.

As the analyst conducts their analysis, it is important for them to document their findings and keep clear and detailed records of their work. This information may be used in reports or legal proceedings and should be carefully organized and properly documented to ensure its reliability and credibility.

The DFIR analyst should also consider the impact of the incident on the client’s business operations and any potential legal or regulatory implications. They may need to work with other stakeholders, such as upper management or legal counsel, to ensure that the incident is properly addressed and that any necessary reporting or disclosures are made.

Overall, the goal of analyzing data to determine the method used by the attacker is to provide the client with a thorough and accurate understanding of the incident and to develop a plan for addressing and mitigating any remaining risks.

Section: 9. Work with the client to build a remediation plan and fix problem areas identified in the DFIR report/presentation
Once a DFIR (digital forensics and incident response) analyst has completed their investigation and identified the cause of an incident and any problem areas, they will work with the client to build a remediation plan to fix the identified issues. This plan may include a combination of technical and non-technical measures, such as implementing additional security controls, patching vulnerabilities, and conducting training or awareness programs.

The remediation plan should be tailored to the specific needs and resources of the client and should be designed to address the root causes of the incident and prevent future incidents from occurring.

To build the remediation plan, the DFIR analyst should review the findings of their investigation and identify any specific actions that need to be taken to address the identified problem areas. They should also consider the client’s business operations and any potential legal or regulatory implications of the incident.

Once the remediation plan has been developed, the DFIR analyst should work with the client to implement the recommended actions and ensure that the identified issues are properly addressed. The analyst should also monitor the progress of the remediation efforts and provide ongoing support as needed.

Overall, the goal of building a remediation plan is to fix the identified problem areas and prevent future incidents from occurring, helping the client to maintain a secure and stable IT environment.

To build an effective remediation plan, the DFIR analyst should work closely with the client to understand their specific needs and resources. This may involve discussing the business objectives of the organization and any constraints or limitations that may impact the remediation efforts.

The remediation plan should be realistic and achievable and should be designed to address the root causes of the incident and prevent future incidents from occurring. This may involve implementing additional security controls, such as firewall rules or intrusion detection systems, or conducting training or awareness programs to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices.

The DFIR analyst should also consider the potential legal and regulatory implications of the incident and ensure that the remediation plan is consistent with relevant laws and regulations. This may involve working with legal counsel or following guidelines from organizations such as the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACIS) or the NIST framework.

Once the remediation plan has been developed, the DFIR analyst should work with the client to implement the recommended actions and track the progress of the remediation efforts. The analyst should also provide ongoing support as needed and assist the client in identifying and addressing any additional issues that may arise.

Takeaway: Understanding as much about digital forensics as possible will be key in my career path
Digital forensics is a crucial field that plays a vital role in the investigation and resolution of cyber incidents. Understanding as much as possible about digital forensics can be a valuable asset in your career path, as it can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively respond to cyber incidents and protect against future attacks.

To gain a deeper understanding of digital forensics, you may consider taking specialized courses or obtaining a degree in the field. There are many educational institutions that offer programs in digital forensics, including online and in-person options. These programs can provide you with a solid foundation in the principles and techniques of digital forensics and help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this field.

In addition to formal education, you may also consider obtaining certifications in digital forensics. There are several organizations that offer certifications in digital forensics, including the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACIS)EC-Council, the SANS Institute, and other vendor-specific forensics examiner certifications. These certifications can help you demonstrate your expertise in digital forensics and can be a valuable asset in your career.

Overall, gaining a deep understanding of digital forensics can be a key factor in your career path, as it can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively respond to cyber incidents and protect against future attacks.

👨🏻‍💻 Day in a Life of a DFIR Analyst

Written by Mike Rebultan