CD and DVD Forensics [Illustrated] (Paperback)

~ Paul Crowley (Author), Dave Kleiman (Technical Editor)
Key Phrases: disc memory, disc contents, hierarchical file system, The Basics, Rock Ridge, Logical Structure (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

CD and DVD Forensics will take the reader through all facets of handling, examining, and processing CD and DVD evidence for computer forensics. At a time where data forensics is becoming a major part of law enforcement and prosecution in the public sector, and corporate and system security in the private sector, the interest in this subject has just begun to blossom.

CD and DVD Forensics is a how to book that will give the reader tools to be able to open CDs and DVDs in an effort to identify evidence of a crime. These tools can be applied in both the public and private sectors. Armed with this information, law enforcement, corporate security, and private investigators will be able to be more effective in their evidence related tasks. To accomplish this the book is divided into four basic parts: (a) CD and DVD physics dealing with the history, construction and technology of CD and DVD media, (b) file systems present on CDs and DVDs and how these are different from that which is found on hard disks, floppy disks and other media, (c) considerations for handling CD and DVD evidence to both recover the maximum amount of information present on a disc and to do so without destroying or altering the disc in any way, and (d) using the InfinaDyne product CD/DVD Inspector to examine discs in detail and collect evidence.

*This is the first book addressing using the CD/DVD Inspector product in a hands-on manner with a complete step-by-step guide for examining evidence discs
* See how to open CD's and DVD'd and extract all the crucial evidence they may contain
* Included free is a trial version of author's market leading software "CD/DVD Inspector"

About the Author

Paul Crowley is the founder and lead developer at InfinaDyne. InfinaDyne is one of a small number of companies publishing software specifically targetted at the forensic examiner. He has been working in the software development field since 1975. His career includes experience that spans computer hardware from the very smallest home video game console to the largest IBM mainframes. Paul began working with CD recording technology in 1994 and is one of a small number of respected authorities on this technology. The first CD data recovery software product was written by Paul and has led the market for such tools since 1997. InfinaDyne has been offering CD and DVD Forensics training classes since 2005 and has held classes in the US and Australia. Attendees at these classes have included members of the FBI, US Department of Defense, and the Australian Federal Police.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Syngress; 1 edition (March 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1597491284
• ISBN-13: 978-1597491280
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #271,596 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #25 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Security & Encryption > Forensics
  #29 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Electrical & Electronics > Electronics > Digital Audio

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Thinly veiled ad for their product, December 8, 2006

By	J. C. Gordon (Fairfax VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book has some info at the beginning, but most of the book is dedicated to showing you how to use their $549 product "CD/DVD Inspector". You're better off with something like "File System Forensic Analysis".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars CD/DVD Inspector Manual/ with valuable information about CD/DVD forensics, August 20, 2008

By	Robert Hudock "Linux User, Attorney, Hacker" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    (VINE VOICE)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book provides vital information about hidden data found on CD and DVD Forensics (I am unaware of any other competing book on this topic). My biggest issue with this book is that CD/DVD Inspector Tool costs over 500 dollars (law enforcement receives a discount) -- the book claims to offer a demo version from the website -- after going to the website-- it appears that you must specifically request a demo copy from the company. There is an alternative product called ISObuster which is mentioned in the book which performs many of the functions the CD/DVD Inspector tool discussed in the book. Given the cost of the book, I would have desired a more balanced analysis of other tools avaliable, in addition, to the CD/DVD Inspector Tool. After reviewing the book and supplemental information online about CD/DVD formats much of the functionality is avaliable through less expensive tools on Windows or using regular command line tools typically included in most Linux distributions. I recommend the book primarily because there seems to be a lack of alternative resources discussing this highly specialized topic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars CD and DVD Forensics, February 21, 2007

By	William E. Wiersma "Techguy" (Grand Rapids Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Review of CD and DVD Forensics by Paul Crowley

An extremely technical , well written book covering all aspects of CDs and DVDs. From the opening paragraph you know that you should be a Medical Examiner to truly understand all of the ramifications of these types of storage media.
In depth coverage of the media itself, is followed by the file structure on CD and DVD media as well as potential problems you can encounter using the forensic recovery processes. Software is described that can be of assistance, types of drives, cleaning products and handling techniques, are covered in detail.
Use of the primary recovery software is covered in extreme detail over nearly 100 pages. If you are truly serious about file recovery, in a most professional manner and varied circumstances, get the book and follow the step by step processes described. This book is not meant for a casual read about CDs and DVDs.