Analyzing registry, log files, and prefetch files in finding digital evidence in graphic design applications

The products of graphic design applications leave behind traces of digital information which can be used during a digital forensic investigation in cases where counterfeit documents have been created. This paper analyzes the digital forensics involved in the creation of counterfeit documents. This is achieved by first recognizing the digital forensic artifacts left behind from the use of graphic design applications, and then analyzing the files associated with these applications. When analyzing digital forensic artifacts generated by an application, the specific focus is on determining whether the graphic design application was installed, whether the application was used, and determining whether an association can be made between the application’s actions and such a digital crime. This is accomplished by locating such information from the registry, log files and prefetch files. The file analysis involves analyzing files associated with these applications for file signatures and metadata. In the end it becomes possible to determine if a system has been used for creating counterfeit documents or not.