ProDiscover vs. Enc...
 
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ProDiscover vs. Encase/FTK 2

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(@rjudy55)
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Posted : 25/03/2009 11:26 am
keydet89
(@keydet89)
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I use ProDiscover almost exclusively for Windows-based analysis, and use other tools as necessary. For example, for PCI-related examinations, I use EnCase as we have an Enscript that allows us to search for PANs and track data, reducing the amount of data that we need to go through. ProDiscover does not yet (v 5.5) have the ability to perform grep searches, but will soon…once it does, I will write a ProScript and perform testing.

I can answer specific questions for you. I no longer use FTK (1.8 or 2.x) because my dongles have expired and they are rather expensive. I do have EnCase, but writing a full-on evaluation between EnCase and ProDiscover isn't something I really have the time for. I will say, though, that I like ProDiscover because it's more intuitive and I can easily write scripts to help me do what I need to do.

 
Posted : 25/03/2009 2:50 pm
(@gtorgersen)
Posts: 70
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I agree with Harlan. EnCase has its benefits but when it comes to the ability to write your own scripts using the clunky EnScript language is very burdensome compared to using Perl which is the ultimate data processing language (and very easy to learn for those who are not really programmers).

From what I have seen people just starting out will use an EnCase or an FTK because they are somewhat of a "Jack of all Trades". But as you continue to grow as an examiner you begin to learn that there are many tools that do specific things much better than those tools. Dont get me wrong EnCase, ProDiscover and FTK are invaluable tools for this industry and I think most will agree that having at least one of the major platforms in your toolbelt is a must but we dont rely on those tools only.

 
Posted : 25/03/2009 8:27 pm
rwuiuc
(@rwuiuc)
Posts: 24
Eminent Member
 

I have used both and they both function and both have their issues.

I and others in our shop have had issues with both crashing, but sometimes ProDiscover can be real touchy. I have used to preview a machine over the wire and grab relevant details of a system for malware and policy violation investigations.

It certainly helps to be on the same subnet as your target machine, wink

I have not played with 5.5 yet but it sounds interesting. Due to our network full disk images are usually not an option, so an effective way to grab relevant files and details is helpful, so I need to check out the logical file collection capability

 
Posted : 27/03/2009 7:48 pm
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