Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

What is the first step when analyzing suspicious MS Office documents?

1. Dumping macro streams

2. Finding suspicious components

3. Identifying suspicious VBA keywords

4. Finding macro streams

The correct answer is: Finding suspicious components

When analyzing suspicious Microsoft Office documents, the first step typically involves finding suspicious components within the document. This approach allows the examiner to gain insights into any potentially malicious elements embedded in the document, such as macros, embedded objects, or hidden content. By identifying these components early in the analysis, the forensic investigator can determine which areas require deeper scrutiny and further investigative actions. This initial step is crucial because it establishes a foundation for the analysis. Once suspicious components are identified, the analyst can then proceed to evaluate the specific elements of the document, including examining macro streams, identifying VBA keywords, or dumping macro streams for detailed investigation. Thus, focusing first on the broader range of suspicious components enables a more structured and efficient analysis of the document, setting the stage for identifying potential threats that align with the investigative goals.