How does operating system forensics differ from network forensics?

Operating system forensics primarily involves the examination of data and evidence found on a specific machine's operating system. This process includes analyzing the system files, user accounts, applications, and various logs that provide insights into user activity and system behavior. The goal is to understand what actions were taken on that particular computer, looking for artifacts that may indicate malicious activities, unauthorized access, or policy violations.

This focus on a single system allows forensic analysts to uncover detailed information about user interactions with the operating system, configuration settings, and any installed software. It helps them reconstruct events and understand how an incident may have occurred based on the local data available on that machine.

In contrast, network forensics examines data traffic that travels across a network, providing insights into communications, traffic patterns, and possible data breaches. While both specializations involve collecting evidence, their perspectives and the types of data analyzed—system files versus network packets—mark a clear distinction between the two fields.