Case Studies
Explore our confidential case studies where Xpert Forensics uncovered digital fraud, insider threats, data leaks, and cyber misconduct using advanced forensic tools and investigative techniques. Each case reflects our commitment to precision, discretion, and delivering actionable insights that drive resolution.
Inside Windows: Digital Forensics Unmasks Insider Fraud
Introduction
Digital forensics plays a pivotal role in uncovering concealed digital misconduct. In this confidential case, our forensic team was tasked with investigating unusual data activity, unauthorized document changes, and suspected financial manipulation within a corporate environment. The investigation’s target, identified only as Employee A, appeared to have used both secret browser methods and data alteration tactics to mask unauthorized behavior on a Windows machine. This blog unpacks how the evidence was identified using forensic tools like Magnet AXIOM and highlights the significance of thorough forensic methodologies.
Background
A mid-sized enterprise approached our team after internal auditors flagged irregularities in post-rental reports, inconsistencies in commission allocations, and suspicious login patterns from offsite IP addresses. The suspicion centered around Employee A, who held administrative access to internal systems and documentation platforms. The scope of the investigation is to investigate suspect’s Window systems (including email analysis, browser activity, USB forensics, document metadata, and event log validation).
Phase 1: Investigating Unauthorized Document Edits
We began our investigation by imaging the primary workstation used by Employee A and processing it onto the Magnet Axiom Process and loading it into Magnet AXIOM Examine. While navigating the Artifacts section, we conducted keyword searches such as “edit agreement” and “beneficiaries,” which revealed browser activity tied to internal documentation platforms. These URLs showed repeated instances of edits on days that coincided with Employee A’s approved time off.
Upon further review of system artifacts and browser history, we confirmed that the edits were made using Chrome browser sessions, including specific traces indicating the use of chrome_pwa_launcher.exe. This executable is known to launch Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in a manner that circumvents standard monitoring, hinting at an intentional effort to obfuscate access patterns.
Key Artifact Found:
- Browser history with timestamps matching edited online documents
- Evidence of Chrome PWA Launcher execution during non-working hours
Phase 2: Fake Beneficiary Names Discovered
The auditors had received a list of questionable beneficiaries submitted by another employee, anonymized here as Employee B. Using AXIOM’s global search feature, we searched these names across indexed file contents. One of the flagged names, anonymized as Individual X, was discovered in multiple Excel spreadsheets—files that listed beneficiaries, payment info, and role assignments.
The metadata of these spreadsheets revealed modification by Employee A. More importantly, document timestamps showed edits on days when Employee A was officially on leave, as confirmed through HR attendance logs.
Key Artifact Found:
- Indexed Excel files containing unverified beneficiary names
- Document metadata and timestamps showing off-duty modifications
Phase 3: Deleted Event Logs & Anti-Forensic Behavior
While auditing Windows Event Logs, we noticed a suspicious gap: logs were only available from the past few days. Navigating to the System Artifacts > Event Logs section in AXIOM, we confirmed that earlier logs had been purged.
We then pivoted to the File System view to search for known tools used to delete event logs. This led us to a suspicious executable file resembling a native Windows utility. AXIOM identified it as a file with characteristics of wevtutil.exe, known for clearing event logs via command-line execution.
Key Artifact Found:
- Executable trace matching event log deletion behavior
- Timeline correlation showing execution just before log gaps appeared
Conclusion
The forensic investigation successfully revealed a pattern of unauthorized behavior involving:
- Document modifications during scheduled leave
- Use of covert browser tools
- Deletion of system event logs
- Presence of suspicious beneficiary data
- USB connections during key investigative period
These findings were compiled into a formal report and submitted to the organization’s internal compliance and legal teams. The investigation not only provided undeniable digital evidence but also prompted the company to improve internal monitoring protocols and user activity logging.
How Xpert Forensics Can Help
At Xpert Forensics, we specialize in uncovering hidden digital trails, whether it’s corporate fraud, insider threats, or data breach investigations. Our certified forensic investigators use industry-leading tools and methodologies to ensure that every byte of evidence is discovered, validated, and reported.
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📩 Feel free to connect with us today. | Email: service@xpertforensics.in
Thank you for this insightful article on digital forensics and its role in uncovering insider fraud. The detailed breakdown of forensic techniques used to trace fraudulent activities within Windows systems was particularly compelling. The case study approach effectively illustrates how forensic analysis can reveal hidden patterns of misconduct, reinforcing the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.
Thanks for your valuable feedback.
Very helpful information! The breakdown of technical, soft, and industry knowledge skills provides clarity on what’s required to Digital forensics investigation . Thanks for sharing this insightful post!
Impressive insights shared on these articles! The use of digital forensics to trace insider fraud, especially through Windows system artifacts, showcases the depth of technical analysis possible today. I especially appreciated the emphasis on real-world case studies it bridges the gap between theory and practice. This definitely highlights the growing need for skilled professionals in cybersecurity and digital forensics. Great read!
As someone with hands-on experience in digital forensics, I found this article both insightful and relatable. The practices and methodologies discussed align well with real-world scenarios I’ve encountered, especially when it comes to maintaining evidence integrity and chain of custody. It’s great to see accurate and practical perspectives being shared—definitely a good read for both newcomers and professionals in the field.