List of digital forensics tools


During the 1980s, most digital forensic investigations consisted of "live analysis", examining digital media directly using non-specialist tools. In the 1990s, several freeware and other proprietary tools were created to allow investigations to take place without modifying media. This first set of tools mainly focused on computer forensics, although in recent years similar tools have evolved for the field of mobile device forensics. This list includes notable examples of digital forensic tools.

Forensics-focused operating systems

Debian-based

NamePlatformLicenseVersionDescription
Mobile Device InvestigatorWindows,proprietary2.1iOS and Android digital forensics and smartphone triage tool by ADF_Solutions
AutopsyWindows,, GPL4.11A digital forensics platform and GUI to The Sleuth Kit
COFEEWindowsproprietaryn/aA suite of tools for Windows developed by Microsoft
Digital Forensics FrameworkUnix-like/WindowsGPL1.3Framework and user interfaces dedicated to digital forensics
EPRBWindowsproprietary1435Set of tools for encrypted systems & data decryption and password recovery
EnCaseWindowsproprietary8.06.1Digital forensics suite created by Guidance Software
Forensic ExplorerWindowsproprietary4.4.8.7926Digital forensics suite created by GetData
FTKWindowsproprietary6.0.1Multi-purpose tool, FTK is a court-cited digital investigations platform built for speed, stability and ease of use.
IPEDUnix-like/WindowsGPL3.17.2Digital forensics tool created by the Brazilian Federal Police
ISEEKWindowsproprietary1Hybrid-forensics tool running only in memory - designed for large networked environments
IsoBusterWindowsproprietary4.1Essential light weight tool to inspect any type data carrier, supporting a wide range of file systems, with advanced export functionality.
Netherlands Forensic Institute / Xiraf / HANSKENn/aproprietaryn/aComputer-forensic online service.
Open Computer Forensics ArchitectureLinuxLGPL/GPL2.3.0Computer forensics framework for CF-Lab environment
OSForensicsWindowsproprietary3.3Multi-purpose forensic tool
PTK ForensicsLAMPproprietary2.0GUI for The Sleuth Kit
SANS Investigative Forensics Toolkit - SIFTUbuntu2.1Multi-purpose forensic operating system
SPEKTOR Forensic IntelligenceUnix-likeproprietary6.xEasy to use, comprehensive forensic tool used worldwide by LE/Military/Agencies/Corporates - includes rapid imaging and fully automated analysis.
The Coroner's ToolkitUnix-likeIBM Public License1.19A suite of programs for Unix analysis
The Sleuth KitUnix-like/WindowsIPL, CPL, GPL4.1.2A library of tools for both Unix and Windows
Windows To Gon/aproprietaryn/aBootable operating system


Memory forensics

Memory forensics tools are used to acquire or analyze a computer's volatile memory. They are often used in incident response situations to preserve evidence in memory that would be lost when a system is shut down, and to quickly detect stealthy malware by directly examining the operating system and other running software in memory.
NameVendor or sponsorPlatformLicense
VolatilityVolatile SystemsWindows and Linuxfree
WindowsSCOPEBlueRISCWindowsproprietary

Mobile device forensics

Mobile forensics tools tend to consist of both a hardware and software component. Mobile phones come with a diverse range of connectors, the hardware devices support a number of different cables and perform the same role as a write blocker in computer devices.
NamePlatformLicenseVersionDescription
MicroSystemation XRY/XACTWindowsproprietaryHardware/software package, specializes in deleted data

Software forensics

Software forensics is the science of analyzing software source code or binary code to determine whether intellectual property infringement or theft occurred. It is the centerpiece of lawsuits, trials, and settlements when companies are in dispute over issues involving software patents, copyrights, and trade secrets. Software forensics tools can compare code to determine correlation, a measure that can be used to guide a software forensics expert.

Other