There are many different forensic artifacts that can be identified on a Windows-based operating system, depending on what type of evidence you are looking for. Here are a few examples:
File system artifacts: The Windows file system contains a wealth of information that can be valuable to a forensic investigation. Some examples of file system artifacts include file creation and modification times, file hashes, and metadata such as the size and type of file.
Registry artifacts: The Windows registry is a database that contains a variety of system settings and configurations. It can also contain information about user activities and installed applications. Registry artifacts can include information about user logins, network connections, and software installations.
Event logs: Windows generates a variety of event logs that can be useful for forensic analysis. These logs can include information about system crashes, application errors, and security-related events such as login attempts and file access.
Internet activity artifacts: Windows-based systems can also leave behind evidence of internet activity, such as browser history, cached files, and cookies. This information can be useful for tracking a user's online activities.
Memory artifacts: The Windows operating system stores a variety of information in memory that can be useful for forensic analysis. This includes data about running processes, open network connections, and file handles.
Overall, the key to identifying forensic artifacts on a Windows-based operating system is to have a good understanding of how the system works and what types of data are stored in various locations. It's also important to use specialized forensic tools and techniques to collect and analyze the data in a way that preserves its integrity and maintains a clear chain of custody.