UAV (Drone) Forensic Analysis

32 Hours / 4-Day

UAV (Drone) Forensics is an advanced-level course offered by Spyder Forensics. ​ The course focuses on identifying and extracting retrievable data from Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) and their associated control devices. ​ Participants will learn about the operation of UAVs, best practices for data extraction and analysis, and techniques for collecting data from within the aircraft and the associated mobile device. ​ The course prioritizes non-destructive processes and provides industry-standard tools for forensic analysis. ​ Upon completion of the course, participants will be proficient in analyzing flight logs and user data, and producing reports fit for use in criminal justice proceedings. ​ The course is specialized, advanced, and certification-based, with a duration of 4 days. ​ Minimal experience in forensic examinations is recommended as a prerequisite for this course. ​

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Introduction to UAV Forensics

  • Introduction to sUAS
  • Criminal use of UAV’s
  • Manufacturers variables
  • Attack vectors – risks to public safety
  • Drone adaptation
  • Capacity & Capability of drones
  • Health & Safety – Handling & Seizure
  • Health & Safety – LiPo Batteries
  • Linked devices – Controller Considerations
  • Digital vs. Physical Evidence
  • Packaging / Storage & Continuity
  • Understanding how flight logs are created & updated
    • Aircraft power on a flowchart.

Components of sUAS

  • Components and features of small unmanned aircraft systems(sUAS)
  • Controller options
    • Mobile and Tablet Devices
    • Bespoke flight controllers
    • Integrated displays
    • FPV controllers
  • Autonomous flights
    • Return-to-home feature
    • WiFi controls
    • Signal interception.

Extraction Techniques

  • Extraction of data from the aircraft
  • Extraction of data from the mobile \ tablet device
  • Extraction of controller data
  • Disassembling techniques
    • Arguments for and against
  • Advanced extractions using CFID and Raven devices
  • Using File Transfer Protocols (FTP) to extract UAV data
  • Advanced exploitation of communcations ports to access data

Interpretation of Data

  • Techniques in using open source and commercial forensic tools to review UAV data
    • Interpretation of data contained on the UAV
      • File System considerations
      • Registered user information
      • Aircraft details
      • Flight log analysis techniques
    • Interpretation of data from portable devices
      • Default folder structures of the controlling app from an Android and iOS device
      • Synchronized logs vs. local logs
      • Error log analysis
      • Media file examination (geolocations and dates & times)
      • Workflows in combining offline files for further analysis
    • Techniques in the interpretation of additional data on other devices.

Advanced Analysis Techniques

  • Flight recorder “Blackbox” log analysis
  • PixHawk flight controller extractions and examinations
  • Advanced DJI FTP extraction techniques
  • Off-line decryption of DJI flight logs
  • Custom build Drone analysis
  • Linking hardware devices within the sUAS
  • Simplification of data – graphical representation
  • Bespoke UAV data analysis 

Report Writing

  • Glossary of terms
  • Overview of UAV report considerations
  • Report writing practical

Final Assessment

  • Graded student knowledge assessment
  • Graded UAV examaintion practical

Prerequisites

To get the most out of this class, you should:

  • Have 6 months experience of forensic examinations
  • Be familiar with the Windows Operating system.

Request the Syllabus

Contact Spyder Forensics for more details of the course.

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