Best of – TickTechTold

7 BEST Web Browsers for macOS Monterey: [Fastest Speed Test]

Best of / September 1, 2023

We installed several popular web browsers on a MacBook, running the latest macOS Monterey, and put them into three (3) different benchmark speed tests to find out which is the fastest and lightest web browser for Mac devices.

The environment for the benchmark speed tests is as follows;

Laptop used: Macbook Pro (16-inch, 2021 model), running Apple M1 Max chip with a memory RAM of 64GB.
Condition: No other running applications present except the web browser and no other browser tabs except the speed test site

The benchmark sites used for the web browser speed tests are;

S/no	Benchmark site	Test Measurements
1	JetStream2	Measures the browser’s ability to start up quickly, execute code speedily and run smoothly
2	Speedometer	Measures the browser’s Web app responsiveness
3	Speed Battle	Measure the speed of Javascript in the browser

Web Browsers Speed Test Results

The table below shows the results for the seven (7) web browsers used in the MacBook.

The higher the score number, the better the results for all the benchmark tests.

S/no	Web Browser	JetStream2	Speedometer	Speed Battle
1	Safari	267.916	375 runs/minute	2423.48
2	Vivaldi	256.582	282 runs/minute	1448.09
3	Brave	221.081	313 runs/minute	1151.98
4	Microsoft Edge	219.203	291 runs/minute	1125.83
5	Google Chrome	214.344	286 runs/minute	1151.67
6	Opera	210.087	270 runs/minute	1124.16
7	Firefox	156.219	222 runs/minute	1233.83

Which Web Browser is the Fastest & Lightest for macOS Monterey?

Our speed test results showed that Safari is the fastest and most lightweight web browser when you are using a macOS computer, e.g. a MacBook, iPhone, iPad, etc.

1. Safari

The Fastest and the BEST Web Browser to run on any macOS device.

Safari scored the highest in all three (3) speed tests.

Safari is the fastest to start up quickly based on the JetStream2 results, scoring 267.916.

safari-web-browser-jetstream2-speed-test-results

The web browser clocks a high 375 runs/minute on measuring the web app’s responsiveness using the Speedometer’s speed test.

safari-web-browser-speedometer-speed-test-results

It also has the fastest speed of running Javascript in its browser, scoring 2423.48 using Speed Battle’s test.

2. Vivaldi

Ranked 2nd in the JetStream2 (fast startup) and Speed Battle (Javascript speed) speed tests

Vivaldi’s newest update supports Apple’s M1 computers, giving itself a significant boost in speed and performance.

The web browser has several efficient features, such as the

Built-in calendar, mail client, translator, ad blocker and many more
Intelligent resource management for a faster browsing experience
Tab management for users to unlimited group tabs into 2-level stacks
Privacy browser as it does not track users’ behaviour
Syncing across different devices from different operating systems

3. Brave

Ranked 2nd in the Speedometer test, which measures the browser’s web app responsiveness

Started in 2015, the privacy-focused Brave web browser has hit 50 million monthly active users since January 2022.

The web browser, by default, blocks trackers and ads on every website you visit while allowing users to opt-in to earn their cryptocurrency token, called the Basic Attention Token (BAT), by watching privacy-respecting ads.

BAT tokens can be stored in the browser’s built-in Brave wallet, sold in exchanges or used to swap for other crypto tokens.

Some of Brave’s features are;

Block cross-site trackers and invasive ads
Block cookies
Block Fingerprinting
Malware and phishing protection
Anonymized Network Routing (TOR mode)

4. Microsoft Edge

Starting in 2015, Microsoft Edge is the web browser created to replace the old Internet Explorer.

The web browser works with various operating systems, e.g. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android devices, Windows Servers and even Linux machines.

Some of Microsoft Edge’s features are;

Kids Mode – For kids with built-in protection and custom designs
Personalized gaming homepage with exclusive XBOX content
Productivity features like vertical tabs and immersive reading mode
Security features like password breach monitor and inPrivate tab for privacy surfing

5. Google Chrome

If you are running on Windows or Linux machines, you should probably get a Google Chrome web browser.

The web browser is engineered for speed and security with automatic updates to keep your surfing safe and secure.

Some of the useful features of Chrome as;

Built-in Safety Checks notify users if passwords are compromised and if browser extensions are a security risk
Built-in Privacy controls allow users to set their privacy level, e.g. clear browsing history, control website access permissions like webcam, etc
Password syncing across devices when users sign in to their Chrome account
Plenty of Chrome extensions add-ons

6. Opera

The Opera project started in 1994 and was considered one of the pioneers in web browsing.

The Opera browser supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android and iOS. Besides the main browser, the company offers Opera GX for gamers and Opera Mini for a light data-saving browser.

Some of Opera’s features include;

Built-in Ad Blocker, which is customizable
Built-in Integrated Messengers. e.g. Facebook messenger, Whatsapp, Telegram
Secure encrypted file-sharing between connected devices
Optional VPN feature

7. Firefox

Started in 2004, the Mozilla Firefox web browser was created to achieve a faster and more privacy-focused surfing experience for users.

In fact, users of Firefox stick by their browsers due to the fact that it is highly configurable in its settings. You can set and customize almost any aspect of the web browser.

Some of the features of the Firefox web browser include;

Picture-in-picture mode for easy streaming and multitasking
DNS over HTTPS (DoH) prevents internet service providers from selling your data
Fingerprinting and crypto mining blocking
Plenty of browser extensions add-ons
Sync across devices

7 BEST Digital Forensics Tools [Mobile, Mac, Cloud, Window]

Best of / September 1, 2023

The field of digital forensics is used by law enforcement agencies when it comes to criminal investigations to extract evidence, as well as in the private sector, where incidents such as data breaches, litigation, inside threats, fraud, etc., require the need for forensics investigations to find out the truth.

The sub-discipline of digital forensics includes mobile forensics, cloud forensics, memory forensics and many more.

Every digital forensics tool has its own strengths when it comes to examining the different types of devices. There are always specific forensic tools that cater for a specific operating system.

Not to be confused with data recovery, the four (4) steps involved in a digital forensics scientific methodology begin with;

Steps	Stage/s	Comments
1	Collection	The proper seizure procedure of devices to prevent physical damage and/or file contamination
2	Preservation	The forensic process of acquiring (imaging) a forensic image of the device
3	Analysis	The examination stage to uncover any inculpatory or exculpatory digital evidence using digital forensic tools
4	Presentation	Explaining the forensic findings, typically presented in a court of law when used by law enforcement agencies

Table Of Contents

List of the Best Digital Forensics software
Bonus
- Mac Target Disk Mode

List of the Best Digital Forensics software

Depending on the type of device and operating system you are acquiring, we can choose the best digital forensics tools for each sub-discipline of digital forensics.

1. EnCase Forensic

Court-proven computer forensic tool used by law enforcement around the world

Starting in the early days of 1998, EnCase is the pioneer in the field of computer forensics when it comes to criminal investigations and analysis.

Used by the majority of law enforcement agencies in the world, the strength of EnCase Forensic software lies in its competency in acquiring forensic images from a wide array of computer systems. It is especially good at analysing Windows operating systems and commonly-used file systems such as NTFS, FAT/FAT32/exFAT/, ext4 and many more.

EnCase Forensic – Key Features

Analyze data from multiple platforms—Windows, Linux, AIX, OS X, Solaris, and more
Uncover suspicious files, e.g. hiding, cloaking, or deletion
Manage large data volume, including deleted files, unallocated space and file slack.
Indexing, keyword searching and automated evidence-processing features
Create exact forensic duplicates through verifiable hash values and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) values
Easy transfer of evidence files to external parties, such as legal representatives

2. Cellebrite UFED

cellebrite-ufed-mobile-digital-forensics

Since entering the mobile forensics industry in 2007, Cellebrite UFED has been the leading market leader in this space for many years.

Cellebrite is an Israeli digital intelligence company focusing mainly on extracting data from mobile devices. The company has several offices across the world, including Washington D.C, Germany and Singapore.

The UFED capability is available on platforms such as desktop computers (UFED4PC) and a standalone handheld console (UFED Touch2).

Cellebrite UFED – Key Features

Unlocking of mobile devices via pattern bypass and PIN locks
Perform logical, file system and physical extractions
Use of bootloaders, automatic EDL capability, smart ADB connection and more
Wide range of supported mobile devices across many different brands
Extract evidence from mobile phones, SIM cards, drones, SD cards, GPS devices and more

3. SIFT Workstation

Created in 2007 by Rob Lee from SANS Institute, the SIFT Workstation is a free Linux Ubuntu distro that is packed with open-source digital forensics and incident response tools.

SIFT is designed to perform detailed digital forensic examinations and incident response capabilities, typically on computer systems. Most of the forensic tools installed onto SIFT requires some form of command-line knowledge, although there are other tools with GUI interface as well, e.g. Sleuthkit.

SIFT Workstation – Key Features

File system support for NTFS, raw, HFS+, FAT/exFAT, swap, RAM data and more
Evidence image support for E01, raw, dd, ewf, aff, vmdk, vhd, etc
Forensic tools installed, such as Volatility, bulk_extractor, imagemounter, libewf, Sleuthkit, RegRipper, etc

4. Sumuri Recon Lab

Sumuri’s flagship forensic suite is the Recon Lab. The digital forensics software can take in forensic images, mounted volumes, optical disk images, RAM images and its own RECON FS block image.

Recon is to be installed on a macOS machine, and it has several useful features such as skin tone detection, face analysis, RAM memory analysis, indexing and keyword searching.

Sumuri – Key Features

Parse and recover thousands of artefacts with Automated Analysis of macOS, Windows, Android, iOS and Google Takeout files.
Advanced forensic viewers for macOS plist, SQLite databases, HEX and Window’s Registry
Timeline support for placing events in chronological order
Advanced-Data Correlation feature
Include Paragon’s Mac Toolbox and Linux drivers
Integrated Report Editor
Support over 270 unique timestamps

5. Oxygen Forensics

Similar to Cellebrite UFED, Oxygen Forensics is a Russian company headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia and provides mobile forensics capabilities to law enforcement, federal agencies and enterprises.

The forensic software is an all-in-one platform that can extract mobile forensic images, decode them and parse them in its interface for investigators to analyse easily. Multiple extractions can be investigated in a single Oxygen Forensic interface to have a complete picture of all the acquired data.

Oxygen Forensics – Key Features

File system-level extraction on most mobile devices
Drone forensics possible
Bypass screen lock on popular Android devices
Cloud extraction – Acquire data from cloud services and storage
Support import of call data records

6. Magnet Axiom

Magnet AXIOM is a forensic platform that can take in different types of forensic images (mobile, computer and cloud data), process them and present them in an analytical interface for examiners to find key evidence quickly.

The forensic tool supports the analysis of Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and extraction dumps of over 50+ cloud services.

Magnet AXIOM – Key Features

Analyze vehicle data with support for Berla iVE extractions
Dedicated artefacts support for most popular and relevant sources
Built-in support for GrayKey (mobile acquisition)
Analytics tools, such as visualizing connections between people and devices
Reporting and Case Sharing feature

7. FTK® Forensic Toolkit

Similar to EnCase Forensic, FTK is a digital investigation solution frequently used by law enforcement and in civil cases. it is primarily used in computer forensics and is well-regarded in terms of its fast processing speed and intuitive interface. It uses distributed processing and true multi-threaded/multi-core support to ingest large amounts of digital data.

FTK Forensic Toolkit is a full disk image collection, processing and analysis solution that parses data in a forensically-sound manner. This allows investigators to preserve the integrity of the data while utilizing time to analyze files and perform advanced deep dives in areas such as data craving and file decryption.

FTK – Key Features

Email Analysis
Customizable data views
Indexing upfront so searching and filtering are faster subsequently
Ability to train FTK for facial and image recognition
Ability to create custom Python scripts

Bonus

Mac Target Disk Mode

apple-target-disk-mode-two-mac-file-transfer-forensics

Apple has a built-in “Target Disk Mode” feature for all their Mac series of computers. Mac users can boot into this unique startup mode that enables them to perform data transfers from one Mac to another.

The condition here is you must have two (2) Mac computers.

The Mac you initiated in the target disk mode will act as an external hard drive for the other Mac.

To begin target disk mode, do the following steps;

Connect the two (2) Macs with the same cable (e.g. USB C or Thunderbolt)
Decide on the Mac that you want to act as an external drive
If the Mac is Off, start it up and long-press the T key
If the Mac is On, click the Apple icon on the top-left > System Preferences > click Startup Disk > Click Target Disk Mode
You can start to transfer files by dragging them once you see the disk icon
Once done with the file transfer, eject the disk by dragging its icon to the Trash

What is the key difference between Data Recovery and Digital Forensics?

5 Best Battery-Efficient VPNs for Your Mobile Device

Best of / July 12, 2023

If you’ve ever felt your phone getting warmer and its battery life plummeting when using a VPN, you’re not alone.

Many VPN users have experienced this phenomenon, which often raises the question, “Does using a VPN drain your battery?“.

The simple answer is some VPNs do have a reputation for draining batteries faster than a toddler can dismantle a perfectly organized toy shelf.

However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some, like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, and SurfShark, have made strides in becoming more energy-efficient, causing less strain on your device’s battery life.

This blog post delves into the world of easier VPNs on your device’s battery, helping you maintain your online privacy without having to carry around a charger everywhere you go.

What Makes a VPN Drain Battery?

A VPN, by nature, adds an extra step in the route your data takes from your device to the server.

This data encryption and decryption process requires more computing power, leading to increased power consumption and, subsequently, battery drain.

Furthermore, keeping a constant VPN connection can result in additional battery usage, particularly when your device struggles to maintain a stable connection in a low-signal environment.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Not all VPNs are notorious battery guzzlers. Certain VPNs, like those we’ll discuss later, are designed to be battery-friendly and energy-efficient.

They accomplish this through a combination of optimized coding, lightweight apps, and smart connection protocols that minimize their power requirements.

Other factors like the type of device, its age, background apps, and even the strength of your internet connection can also impact battery life.

What Are The VPNs That Don’t Drain Your Mobile Battery

We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 VPNs known for their battery-friendly nature.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has etched its name as one of the most trusted VPN providers in the world, partly due to its superior security features, fast connection speeds, and of course, its battery-friendly operation.

One of the highlights of NordVPN is its lightweight app design. Its developers have managed to pack a plethora of features into the software without turning it into a power-hungry beast.

NordVPN has a well-optimized app that does not heavily rely on your device’s processor, thereby conserving battery power.

This efficiency doesn’t compromise its functionality or security, as NordVPN employs advanced encryption standards to secure your data.

The app also comes with an automatic kill switch that immediately stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.

This feature protects your privacy and helps in power conservation as it minimizes unnecessary data transmission.

NordVPN’s Quick Connect feature ensures that your device connects to the fastest server available, reducing the time and power spent establishing a connection.

This smart algorithm selects the best server based on location, load, and other parameters, further adding to the VPN’s energy efficiency.

NordVPN has over 5400 servers spread across 59 countries, ensuring a stable and fast connection, which is vital for power conservation.

Remember, a slow or unstable connection can cause your device to work harder to maintain the connection, leading to faster battery drain.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN, founded by the same team behind the highly secure ProtonMail, takes a no-compromise approach to privacy and security.

Despite the robust security measures, ProtonVPN manages to stay incredibly energy-efficient, thanks to the well-optimized nature of its app.

The VPN service implements advanced security features such as strong encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and an automatic kill switch.

The latter ensures your privacy and aids in power conservation by preventing unnecessary data transmission when the VPN connection drops.

ProtonVPN also offers the option to use lower encryption levels (AES-128) for faster speeds and less CPU (and consequently battery) usage.

However, this does not compromise your security, as AES-128 is still considered extremely secure.

Another standout feature is its Secure Core network. This routes your traffic through multiple servers before leaving ProtonVPN’s network, providing an extra layer of security.

While this feature may require a bit more energy than a standard VPN connection, it is well-optimized to minimize battery drain.

3. ExpressVPN

With ExpressVPN, it’s all about balance. This VPN successfully combines high-speed connections, robust security measures, and battery-friendly operation.

Its app is designed to be lightweight and efficient, thereby minimizing battery drain.

The security standards of ExpressVPN are top-notch, employing strong 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

The latter feature is especially useful for preserving battery life by preventing unnecessary data transmission in case of VPN disconnection.

ExpressVPN uses a proprietary technology called Lightway designed to improve VPN speed, reliability, and connection times, while also being light on battery usage.

It is touted as more efficient than traditional VPN protocols, consuming less battery and offering faster speeds.

The app’s user interface is straightforward and intuitive, allowing users to establish connections quickly with the least amount of power and time.

The Smart Location feature automatically selects the optimal server based on your location, further enhancing the VPN’s energy efficiency.

The expansive network of over 3000 servers across 94 countries ensures stable and high-speed connections, which are crucial for conserving battery life.

4. Hide.ME

Hide.ME is a VPN service that stands out for its strong commitment to privacy, high-speed connections, and efficient power usage.

One notable feature of Hide.ME is the sleek design of its app, which is optimized for energy efficiency. This VPN manages to offer a robust set of features while minimizing battery drain.

When it comes to security, Hide.ME utilizes strong 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch that helps conserve battery power by preventing unnecessary data transmission in case of a VPN disconnect.

The VPN service also offers multiple VPN protocols, including IKEv2 and WireGuard, known for their speed and efficiency.

WireGuard, in particular, has been praised for its streamlined codebase and performance, making it less resource-intensive and thus gentler on your battery.

Hide.ME’s app interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing you to connect to the best server quickly and easily.

The less time and power spent on setup and server selection, the better for your device’s battery life.

The network of over 1800 servers in 72 locations worldwide ensures that you can always find a stable and fast connection.

This is essential, as an unstable connection can cause your device to work harder, rapidly depleting battery life.

5. SurfShark

SurfShark’s app is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Its lightweight nature ensures it doesn’t excessively drain your device’s battery while providing powerful features.

When it comes to security, SurfShark doesn’t hold back. It offers top-tier 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and private DNS on each server.

This kill switch feature is particularly useful for saving battery life, as it prevents unnecessary data transmission if the VPN connection is lost.

One standout feature is the use of the WireGuard protocol. Known for its streamlined code and performance, WireGuard consumes fewer resources, making it gentler on your battery than other VPN protocols.

SurfShark’s CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, can also help conserve power. By eliminating unnecessary ads, your device processes fewer data, saving both bandwidth and battery life.

The user interface of the SurfShark app is simple and easy to navigate. It allows you to establish a secure VPN connection quickly, reducing the time and energy spent on setup.

Furthermore, SurfShark boasts over 3200 servers in 65 countries, providing a stable and speedy connection.

A stable connection is crucial for battery conservation, as a poor connection can cause your device to work harder, leading to quicker battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which VPN uses the least battery?

It’s hard to definitively say which VPN uses the absolute least battery as it can depend on various factors, including your device, the strength of your internet connection, and the VPN protocol used.

However, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, and SurfShark are all designed with power efficiency in mind and do a great job of minimizing battery drain.

Q2. Does using a VPN drain your battery?

While it’s true that using a VPN can lead to increased battery usage due to the extra processing power required, some VPNs are more power-efficient than others.

The above VPNs have been optimized to reduce battery drain while maintaining excellent performance and security.

Q3. How do I make my VPN use less battery?

You can use a few strategies to minimize battery usage while running a VPN. First, ensure your VPN app is up-to-date, as developers often release updates to improve efficiency.

Second, use a reliable internet connection to avoid frequent reconnections, which can drain the battery.

Lastly, choose a VPN like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, or SurfShark that is designed to be power-efficient.

Q4. Can a VPN cause my phone to overheat?

Any app that uses processing power can potentially cause your phone to heat up, and VPNs are no exception. However, overheating is usually not a concern with well-optimized VPN apps that manage resources efficiently.

If you notice your phone heating up excessively while using a VPN, it may be worth trying a different VPN service.

Conclusion

Finding a VPN that doesn’t drain your battery can be a tricky task, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

Our detailed review of five power-efficient VPNs – NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, and SurfShark – will hopefully provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.

These VPNs offer robust security and privacy features and work diligently to conserve your device’s battery life.

Remember, the most battery-friendly VPN is not just about the least battery drain. It’s also about the right balance of security, speed, reliability, and power efficiency.

So, take your time and pick the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

7 BEST Digital StoryTelling & Storyboarding software tools

Best of / June 18, 2023

An excellent digital storytelling tool is a linear narrative outline for a narrative or story. It can consist of storyboarding, adding scripts, video, sound, etc., and is suitable for educational use or business presentations.

Digital storytelling tools help to visualize your concept in video form, anticipate everything before the actual shooting, and communicate possible issues with your team. Creating animation and comics are also available in some digital storytelling tools.

Table Of Contents

What are the Best Digital StoryTelling and StoryBoarding Tools?

What are the Best Digital StoryTelling and StoryBoarding Tools?

Here are the seven (7) digital storytelling tools you can use.

1. Animoto

Animoto is a free, cloud-based educational video maker that produces videos from most media files, such as photos, videos, music, etc.

There are several professional-looking templates users can choose from. Some useful categories are Education, Amazon Promo, Real Estate, Workplace and many more.

Suitable for;

Small business – Capture the audience’s attention with videos
HR and People operations – Increase engagement and company culture
Marketing Agencies – For brand promotion and product showcase

2. Boords

boords-digital-storyboarding-storytelling

Boords is an online professional set of digital storyboarding and storytelling software tools designed for filmmakers and can be used to create storyboards, short lists and animatics.

Useful features include;

Automatic frame and version numbering – sync any changes
One-click animatics – complete with frame timing, subtitles and sound
Secure online sharing and frame specific comments

3. Canva StoryBoard

canva-storyboarding-digital-storytelling-tool

Canva Storyboard is a free, printable, digital storyboard online tool with plenty of customizable templates for users to choose from.

The drag-and-drop platform has many high-quality images, illustrations, icons, stickers, colour schemes and font combinations.

Canva Storyboard can be used for comic strips, videography presentations, and short or long-form videos.

Once done, users can download the digital storyboard offline or share it easily with others.

4. StoryBoardThat

StoryBoardThat is a free digital storyboarding online creation service that uses the drag-and-drop concept to create outstanding visuals for teaching, learning and communicating.

The storyboarding platform allows for storyboard creation, graphic organizers, comics and visual sets. It includes many layouts, characters and scenes.

Suitable for;

Personal use – for Projects, Planning, Graphic Novels, Comics, Books, etc
Educational use – Secure (FERPA, CCPA, COPPA, & GDPR Compliant
Business use – Over 200 business resources with multi-user account collaboration

5. Plot

plot-digital-storyboarding-storytelling-tool

Plot is an affordable storyboard creator optimized for mobile devices and computer screens.

It is suitable for professional output in film, documentary, television, animation and many more formats.

Useful features include;

Adding Script – scenes and action directly into the storyboard
Create simple illustrations with included shapes, clipart and brushes
Collaborate among colleagues and clients for reviews and comments
Exporting offline storyboard for review

6. Pixon

Pixon is a comic and storyboard builder designed specifically for teachers and suitable as an education tool.

Useful features include unlimited classrooms, easy logins using Google or Microsoft accounts and automatic marking of read status.

The content library holds several different topics and is suitable for creating comics that work for any academic subject, such as mathematics or science.

7. MakeBeliefComix

MakeBeliefComix is possible for anyone to create comics online, even if they are not good at drawing.

Using simple buttons and choosing from the content library, users only need to pick some characters, add a background scene and include speech bubbles with text to narrate their story.

MakeBeliefComix is a platform for students to create their own comics and tell their stories.

Besides creating comics, there are also interactive PDF printables available, as well as creating interactive journaling e-books.

7 Best Audio Metadata Viewers and Editors

Best of / May 30, 2023

Hey there, audiophile! Have you ever struggled with disorganized audio files scattered all over your device?

I know I have. Let’s face it; a neat and organized music library isn’t just about vanity—it’s about functionality. It’s about knowing where every audio file resides, who sang it, and what album it belongs to.

Plus, it makes your playlists look spick and span.

But how do we get there? Well, I’ve got the answer. It comes down to this magical thing called metadata—the invisible information attached to your audio files.

Yes, that’s right, your files have been whispering secrets behind your back all this time!

Now, if you’re thinking, “But I’ve got hundreds, maybe thousands of audio files. I can’t possibly organize them all,” hold on to your headphones because I’ve got good news.

Some tools can do it for you—not elves, but close! Let’s dive into the seven (7) best audio metadata viewer and editor tools that will tune up your audio experience.

Table Of Contents

Best Audio Metadata Editor and Viewer
Conclusion

Best Audio Metadata Editor and Viewer

Here are the seven (7) tools that you can use;

1. MediaMonkey

One of the key advantages of using MediaMonkey is its ability to handle a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, AAC, and more.

MediaMonkey has got you covered whether you have a diverse collection of music files or prefer specific formats.

The software provides an intuitive platform where you can view, edit, and update metadata tags effortlessly.

MediaMonkey allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your audio files ‘ metadata, from basic information like song titles, artists, and album names to more intricate details such as track numbers, genres, and lyrics.

Additionally, MediaMonkey supports batch editing, saving you time and effort. You can select multiple audio files and apply changes to their metadata simultaneously, making it incredibly convenient for large music libraries or when you want to make consistent modifications across multiple tracks.

Another notable feature of MediaMonkey is its ability to retrieve missing metadata from online databases automatically.

By scanning your audio files, MediaMonkey can fetch accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring that your music library remains organized and complete.

It’s a valuable time-saving feature that saves you from manually inputting metadata for each individual file.

2. Mp3tag

One of the key advantages of using Mp3tag is its ability to handle a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, AAC, and more.

Whether you have a diverse collection of music files or prefer specific formats, Mp3tag can effortlessly handle them all. This versatility ensures that you can manage your entire music library with ease.

Mp3tag’s strength lies in its bulk editing capabilities, allowing you to simultaneously modify metadata tags for multiple audio files.

This feature is particularly beneficial if you want consistent changes across many tracks. With just a few clicks, you can edit common attributes such as song titles, artists, album names, and genres, saving you valuable time and effort.

Another standout feature of Mp3tag is its integration with online databases.

By connecting to popular music databases like Discogs and MusicBrainz, Mp3tag can automatically fetch your music files’ accurate and up-to-date metadata information.

This ensures that your library remains well-organized and consistent, with correct tags for each track.

3. MusicBrainz Picard

MusicBrainz Picard can analyze and match your audio files with the correct metadata information.

By employing sophisticated fingerprinting technology, Picard can identify your tracks even if they have missing or incorrect metadata.

This ensures that your music library remains well-organized, with accurate and consistent information for each track.

MusicBrainz Picard’s integration with the MusicBrainz database is a significant strength.

This database is constantly updated by a community of music enthusiasts, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive metadata for your music files.

Picard utilizes this vast information collection to provide accurate tags for your tracks, including artist names, album titles, track numbers, genres, and more.

Another standout feature of MusicBrainz Picard is its ability to tag your audio files automatically. With just a few clicks, Picard can retrieve and apply metadata information to your entire music library.

This saves you from the tedious task of manually inputting tags for each individual track, especially when dealing with large music collections.

4. Kid3

Kid3 provides a simple platform for editing metadata tags. Its intuitive interface lets you easily view and modify essential information such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres.

You can also add details like track numbers, release dates, and even lyrics, allowing for a more enriched music library experience.

Another advantage of using Kid3 is its batch editing functionality. This feature lets you modify metadata tags for multiple audio files simultaneously, saving time and effort.

Whether you need to update album information for an entire album or make consistent changes across multiple tracks, Kid3 simplifies the process with its efficient batch editing capabilities.

Kid3 also supports importing and exporting metadata, allowing you to easily transfer tag information between audio files or share your metadata edits with others.

This feature is handy to ensure consistency across various devices or collaborate with fellow music enthusiasts on metadata updates.

5. TagScanner

One of the standout features of TagScanner is its extensive support for a wide range of audio formats. Whether you have a collection of MP3s, FLAC files, or other popular formats, TagScanner can handle them all.

This versatility ensures you can manage your entire music library without worrying about compatibility issues.

TagScanner offers a range of tools and options to help you efficiently edit metadata tags. You can easily update information such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres.

TagScanner also supports batch processing, allowing you to simultaneously apply changes to multiple audio files. This feature saves you time and effort, especially when dealing with large music collections.

One of the notable strengths of TagScanner is its ability to retrieve missing metadata from online databases.

By connecting to sources like MusicBrainz and Discogs, TagScanner can automatically fetch accurate and up-to-date information for your music files.

This ensures that your music library remains well-organized and enriched with correct tags, even if your files initially lacked complete metadata.

6. EasyTAG

EasyTAG provides a clean and straightforward platform for viewing and modifying metadata tags. Its user-friendly interface lets you easily edit essential information such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres.

You can add details like track numbers, release dates, and even cover art, creating a visually appealing and well-organized music library.

Another valuable feature EasyTAG offers is batch processing, allowing you to change multiple audio files simultaneously.

Whether you need to update tags for an entire album or modify specific attributes across multiple tracks, EasyTAG simplifies the process by applying changes to multiple files simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

Furthermore, EasyTAG supports importing and exporting metadata, making it easy to transfer tag information between audio files or share your metadata edits with others.

This feature is handy to ensure consistency across different devices or collaborate with fellow music enthusiasts on metadata updates.

7. MetaZ

One of the standout features of MetaZ is its integration with popular online databases such as IMDb and TheTVDB.

This integration allows MetaZ to retrieve accurate and comprehensive metadata information for your music files.

MetaZ ensures that your music library is enriched with correct and up-to-date metadata, from album artwork to artist details and track information.

MetaZ offers a user-friendly interface that makes editing metadata a breeze. You can easily modify essential details such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres with just a few clicks.

Additionally, MetaZ provides the option to batch-process your audio files, enabling you to apply changes to multiple tracks simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

Another notable feature of MetaZ is its support for custom tagging. You can create your own metadata tags and assign them to your music files, allowing for a personalized organization system.

This level of customization ensures that your music library reflects your unique preferences and organizational style.

Conclusion

Each of these tools has its own strengths, and the best one really depends on what suits your needs and your style. But one thing’s for sure – if you’re serious about your audio files, it’s high time to tidy up your library.

Remember, the power of metadata is in your hands. Don’t let those disorganized files ruin your groove. Choose your metadata editor, and let your audio files sing in harmony. Until next time, keep the music playing!

9 Best Cloud Epub Readers [Online and Web Browser-Based]

Best of / May 28, 2023

You’ve probably stumbled upon an EPUB file at some point during your digital adventures. EPUB – sounds a bit like a hip, new underground club.

But in the online realm, it’s your ticket to a vast universe of literature and knowledge.

So, you might be wondering, how can I read EPUB files online? Well, you’re in the right place, folks. We’re here to introduce you to the wonderful realm of online EPUB readers.

Now, wouldn’t it be handy if you could read an EPUB file right in your web browser?

Spoiler alert: you totally can. Many EPUB readers work directly within your favorite browser, transforming it into your very own digital library. Neat, huh?

Fun fact #1: The EPUB format is the most widely supported e-book format. It's like the universal language of e-books!

Let’s quickly cover the basics before we plunge into the pool’s deep end.

Why Use an Online EPUB Reader?

So, you might be wondering, “Why go for an online EPUB reader when plenty of software and apps are out there?” Online EPUB readers offer a bunch of perks that make e-book reading a breeze.

Firstly, these handy-dandy tools allow you to access your e-books from any device with an internet connection. Yup, that’s right! Your e-books can follow you around, from your desktop to your smartphone.

Secondly, online EPUB readers let you store your e-books in the cloud. Say goodbye to your device storage woes! Your device might run out of space, but the cloud? Not so much.

Thirdly, many of these readers offer cross-platform compatibility. Whether you’re team iOS, Android, or team Windows, you’re all set.

And last but definitely not least, online readers are often free or pretty affordable. Of course, some might offer premium features for a small fee, but many provide a great reading experience right out of the box.

Fun fact #2: Did you know that a web browser-based EPUB reader can save your reading progress even if you close your browser?

Web Browser-Based vs. Online Readers

Web browser-based readers are like your portable tent. They integrate directly into your browser, like Firefox or Chrome. There’s no need for an additional app or software; you add the extension, and you’re good to go.

Whenever you stumble upon an EPUB file online, you open it right there in your browser. MagicScroll and EPUBReader for Firefox are prime examples of this.

On the other hand, online readers are like your package tour. They’re dedicated platforms where you can read, store, and manage your e-books.

Some even have mobile apps so you can switch between devices seamlessly. Google Play Books and BookFusion are among the big names in this space.

What Are The Best Online EPUB Readers

We’ve put together a list of our favorite online EPUB readers to help you find your perfect match.

Here are the nine (9) best EPUB readers.

1. Readium (Web Browser-Based)

First up is Readium, a project backed by the International Digital Publishing Forum. This Chrome extension makes your browser an EPUB-friendly zone.

It’s like turning your browser into an all-access VIP lounge for your EPUB files!

2. EPUBReader for Firefox (Web Browser-Based)

Are you a Firefox fan? Meet EPUBReader. This Firefox extension lets you open and read EPUB files right in your browser.

It’s like having a mini-library tucked into your browser toolbar.

3. MagicScroll (Web Browser-Based)

MagicScroll is a web-based reader that also offers a Chrome extension. This reader lets you scroll through your book continuously – no page-turning required.

Imagine it like a magical scroll unraveling a never-ending story.

4. Google Play Books (Online Reader)

You might have guessed this one was coming. Google Play Books is a big player in the online reader realm.

It allows you to upload and read your EPUB files on any device, like a high-tech backpack that keeps your books safe and accessible wherever you go.

5. BookFusion (Online Reader)

BookFusion offers a cloud-based platform for reading, storing, and managing your e-books. It’s like your personal e-book butler, ready to serve up your favorite titles whenever you desire.

6. LitRes (Online Reader)

LitRes is an online reader that also offers an extensive e-book store. It’s a little like an e-book supermarket, where you can grab a good read and check out in a jiffy.

7. Kobo (Online Reader)

Kobo offers a robust online reading platform with a wide selection of books. Imagine a digital reading paradise with all the bells and whistles.

8. Adobe Digital Editions (Online Reader)

Adobe Digital Editions is perfect for reading digital publications, including EPUBs. Think of it as a VIP reading lounge for your EPUB files.

9. Calibre (Online Reader)

Last but not least, Calibre is a powerful open-source e-book management system that supports the EPUB format. It’s like a personal librarian, managing your e-book collection with efficiency and ease.

Conclusion

In this digital age, reading an e-book should be as simple and enjoyable as cozying up with a traditional paperback. Online EPUB readers offer a convenient way to read your favorite e-books, whether you’re on your couch, on your lunch break, or on the go.

Remember, the key to finding the right EPUB reader is to think about your reading habits, device preferences, and what features matter most.

Don’t be afraid to try out a few options. After all, it’s all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.

Before we say adios, don’t forget to check out this helpful post on Can Google Drive Open EPUB. It might just be the cherry on top of your EPUB reading experience.

7 BEST Digital Forensic Imager Tools [dd, E01, AFF formats]

Best of / May 8, 2023

A digital forensic imager can be in the form of a software imaging tool or hardware equipment. A good forensic imaging tool can output to several forensics formats and is commonly used by law enforcement agencies, private investigation firms, and security companies nowadays.

Below is a quick summary of the best forensic imagers and their imaging capability.

S/no	Forensic Imaging Tool	Description	Type
1	FTK® Imager	Computer imaging	Software
2	Tableau Forensic Imager (TX1)	Computer imaging	Hardware
3	EnCase™ Forensic	Computer imaging	Software
4	SIFT Workstation	Computer imaging	Software
5	Magnet RAM Capture	RAM imaging	Software
6	Magnet ACQUIRE	Computer & Mobile imaging	Software
7	Cellebrite UFED	Mobile device imaging	Software and Hardware

What is a Forensic Image?

A forensic image is a court-accepted digital image of a digital device or a digital file, such as a computer, a mobile phone or a system drive. It is considered forensically sound as the forensic image is a bit-by-bit copy of the original device, drive or file.

A forensic image is acquired using specialized digital forensics software or hardware equipment and is examined primarily by digital forensics analysis tools.

What are the Different Formats of Forensic Images?

The most common forensic image formats being used are;

EnCase Evidence Files = E01 / Ex01
Raw Format = dd
Advance Forensics Format = AFF

What are the BEST Forensic Imaging Software Tools?

Here are the seven (7) best digital forensics imaging tools you can use.

1. FTK® Imager

FTK® Imager is a data preview and imaging software tool that allows you to quickly assess electronic evidence to determine if further analysis using forensic tools is needed.

The imaging tool can make forensic copies of physical disks, logical drives, individual files, entire folders, discs, USB flash drives, etc.

FTK Imager – Key Features

Create perfect or forensic copies from the original.
Generate hash reports before and after the forensic image is created
Ability to mount images as read-only

2. Tableau Forensic Imager (TX1)

Measuring 9.5 in (L) x 6.5 in (W) x 2.6 in (H), the Tableau Forensic Imager (TX1) is a physical forensic imager hardware device that is used to create forensic images of a wide range of computer media, including USB flash drives, SATA hard drives, PCIe and 10Gb Ethernet devices.

When TX1 starts imaging, it can output to raw DD formats, .e01 (compressed) or .ex01 (compressed), and supports a wide range of file systems, such as ExFAT, NTFS, EXT4, FAT32, HFS+ and many more.

TX1 – Key Features

Support up to two active forensic jobs simultaneously
Pause and resume imaging jobs
Automatic job queuing allows additional jobs to begin as soon as an active job completes
Secure Wiping and Formatting features
AES whole disk encryption

3. EnCase™ Forensic

opentext=encase=forensics-digital-imager

EnCase™ Forensic is a software imaging tool used by the majority of law enforcement agencies in the world. The strength of this forensic imaging software lies in its competency in acquiring forensic images from a wide array of computer systems.

It is especially good at analyzing Windows operating systems and commonly-used file systems such as NTFS, FAT/FAT32/exFAT/, ext4 and many more.

EnCase Forensics – Key Features

Analyze data from multiple platforms—Windows, Linux, AIX, OS X, Solaris, and more
Uncover suspicious files, e.g. hiding, cloaking, or deletion
Manage large data volume, including deleted files, unallocated space and file slack.
Indexing, keyword searching and automated evidence-processing features
Create exact forensic duplicates through verifiable hash values and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) values
Easy transfer of evidence files to external parties, such as legal representatives

4. SIFT Workstation

SIFT-workstation-digital-forensics-imaging

SIFT Workstation is a software imaging VMware appliance, pre-configured with free, open-source forensics and analysis tools to perform deep digital forensic investigations in various environments.

It can image attached physical devices and system drives using a range of forensic command formats, such as raw dd, E01, AFF, etc.

SIFT Workstation – Key Features

Lots of installed forensic applications, e.g. log2timeline
Mounting of raw and forensic images
Conduct forensic investigation using installed suites like the sleuthkit.
Conduct incident response investigations

5. Magnet RAM Capture

magnet-RAM-capture-digital-forensics-imager

Magnet RAM Capture is a software imaging tool that can recover and examine artefacts frequently found only in the memory by taking a snapshot of a suspect’s computer’s physical memory (RAM).

You can use Magnet RAM Capture while minimizing memory overwriting thanks to its minimal memory footprint. Furthermore, you can transfer the memory data into analysis programs like Magnet AXIOM after you have captured it.

6. Magnet ACQUIRE

Magnet ACQUIRE is a software imaging tool capable of mobile device image acquisition and capturing forensic images of common storage drives, including hard drives and USB flash drives.

The forensic acquisition tool can output the image to the E01 and raw dd format.

For mobile devices, depending on the make & model of the device, it can acquire a logical extraction, file system extraction or even a full physical image extraction.

Magnet ACQUIRE – Key Features

Use Media Transfer Protocol to acquire media and files, such as photos, videos and documents from mobile devices.
Support 3rd-party application user data
Support extraction of memory cards, e.g. microSD cards

7. Cellebrite UFED

cellebrite-ufed-digital-forensics-imaging-tool

Cellebrite is an Israeli digital intelligence company focusing mainly on extracting data from mobile devices. The forensic image it outputs is in its proprietary form, the UFDR format.

The UFED capability is available on desktop computers (UFED4PC) as software, as well as a standalone handheld physical console (UFED Touch2).

Cellebrite UFED – Key Features

Unlocking of mobile devices via pattern bypass and PIN locks
Perform logical, file system and physical extractions
Use of bootloaders, automatic EDL capability, smart ADB connection and more
Wide range of supported mobile devices across many different brands
Extract evidence from mobile phones, SIM cards, drones, SD cards, GPS devices and more

9 BEST Free Virtual Piano Keyboard [PC, Mac, iOS, Android]

Best of / May 8, 2023

Learning to play the piano these days does not necessarily require a physical piano. Virtual piano software is convenient, sounds great and has tons of customization & connectivity features.

Depending on the virtual piano app, it can work on web browsers, different operating systems and different types of devices, such as mobile phones and computers.

Table Of Contents

What are the Best Virtual Piano Keyboard Software?

What are the Best Virtual Piano Keyboard Software?

Here are the nine (9) virtual piano software apps you can use to learn and play music.

1. Recursive Arts: Virtual Piano Simulator

| Works on Web Browser |

Virtual Piano Simulator is a realistic-looking browser-based piano instrument that is good at mirroring the distribution of white and black keys in a real piano.

When playing piano songs, users will realize that all five octaves are available for them to use. Users can also record and save their own music compositions. Sharing with friends and family is also accessible with invitation links.

Key Features

Adjustable sound and tempo using Sustain, Metronome, Transposition, and Tempo buttons
Free Interactive songs to choose from
Ability to access additional musical instrument sounds such as Organ, Harpsichord, Harp or Synthesizer.
Realistic 3D keyboard
Capable of playing up to 64 simultaneous notes

2. VirtualPiano.net

| Works on Web Browser |

Virtual Piano allow users to learn how to play the piano in a quick, easy and enjoyable manner. The software turns your computer or mobile device keyboard into a piano keyboard, containing letters corresponding to the keys from a QWERTY keyboard.

When playing a song, you can press both the black and white keys together at the same time. In addition, there is a scroll bar under the keys to allow users to play all the octaves of a grand piano.

Key Features

Do not require users to know how to read music notation
Thousands of free music sheets
Maps QWERTY keyboard to piano keys
Credit, edit and refine customized music sheets
Choose from 24 different classical instruments, such as Violin, Saxophone and many more.

3. Online Pianist: Virtual Piano

| Works on Web Browser | iOS | Android |

Online Pianist simulates a real piano keyboard with 7 1/4 octaves of 88 keys, a Metronome, a sustain pedal and many others. Unfortunately, for mobile devices, only five octaves are available.

Key Features

Real keys mode – corresponding computer keys for the middle octaves & piano keys of a real piano
Simulate a piano’s sustain pedal
Adjust the Metronome based on BPM (beats per minute) or time signature
Using the letter notes feature to display ABC or DoReMi letter notes on the piano keyboard keys

4. Virtual Drumming: Virtual Piano

| Works on Web Browser |

Virtual Piano from Virtual Drumming enables users to learn chords and scales when they do not have a real piano.

Users can quickly learn music theory or try out random melodies that come to mind with this online tool.

Key Features

Record your song track up to a maximum of one minute
Automatically play the major and minor triads for every single note on the piano keyboard
Playing scales, such as Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, etc
Piano pedal simulator that allows users to play short notes by releasing the keys
Metronome feature for learning to play the piano keyboard, keeping time

5. Apronus: Virtual Piano

| Works on Web Browser |

Apronus Virtual Piano enable users to use their keyboard to play on their virtual online piano simulator. Each key on the piano keyboard from C₃ to C₅ can be played by pressing an associated key on the computer keyboard.

The keys from the keyboard A, S, D rows and the Z, X, C rows are programmed to play white key chords for rich melodies.

This is an offline version of the virtual piano as well.

Key Features

Create a custom-made chord button
Configure buttons to be associated with a computer keyboard key
Ability to record and playback
Savings recordings to a local drive
Bookmarking chords by generating a link that encodes all the chords from your buttons

6. Revontulet: Perfect Piano

| Android |

Perfect Piano is an intelligent piano simulator developed for Android phones and tablets. With built-in authentic piano sounds, the app can teach users how to play the piano and be entertaining at the same time.

After installation, users can have a widget on their home screen to quickly play the piano without opening the app itself.

The app supports Timbre plugins such as bass, electric guitar, saxophone, etc. and has an 88-key piano keyboard.

Key Features

Support USB MIDI Keyboard
MIDI and ACC audio recording
Multiplayer Connection & Competition (real-time chat and challenge)
Three play modes: autoplay, semi-auto play, note pause
Left & right-hand setup
A->B loop

7. FunAIs: Piano+

| Android |

With more than 50 million downloads, Piano+ is one of Android’s most popular virtual piano apps.

The virtual piano app has an impressive sound to mimic that of a grand piano while allowing users to compose their own music after playing and learning using the 88-key piano app.

Key Features

MIDI keyboard recording, allowing the creation of own MIDI files to share with the community
Huge music library with lots of classical piano songs, kids’ songs, pop and many more
Daily challenges to unlock themes and customization

8. Peaksel Games: Virtual Piano

| For iOS | For Android |

Virtual Piano is a simple, easy-to-use mobile app that supports iOS and Android devices.

It has over one million+ downloads on the Play Store and App Store with plenty of positive reviews.

Key Features

Pedal for changing the instrument’s sound
Three instrument sounds: piano, banjo, toy piano
Pitch correction
Zoom buttons for zooming in and out for piano keys
Adjustable octaves

9. T.V CO: Piano

| For Mac and iOS |

Piano for Mac and iOS is a classic piano app that allows users to learn and play thousands of songs on a virtual piano.

Users can import their popular songs and music sheets into the app and learn with the 88-key virtual piano.

The piano app also offers a Metronome, pedal, dual scrollable keyboard and supports a USB MIDI keyboard and Bluetooth MIDI keyboard.

Key Features

Connect to a MIDI-Keyboard via USB / Lightning cable or Bluetooth MIDI Connect
Use the keyboard as an output device to play the MIDI-Files
Show notes and sheet as song timeline
View sustain-pedal events and sustained notes
Customize colours, effects, instruments and much more

7 Best Database Forensics Software Tools [Recover Deleted]

Best of / May 8, 2023

Many of our data records are stored in database management systems (DBMS) and in the event of a mishap or data breach or theft incident, there is both a legal and technical requirement need to adopt a database forensics investigation process using specialized tools to carefully uncover what had happened.

Most of the common DBMS are;

MySQL
Oracle
PostgresSQL
Microsoft SQL Server
MongoDB

Before we look at Database Forensics, we have to understand what is Digital forensics. it is a scientific application of analysing digital evidence, mainly used in a court of law and has several sub-disciplines such as cloud forensics, mobile phone forensics, etc.

Digital forensics is not to be confused with the concept of data recovery, although both are similar in many ways. Forensics, as a whole, is used for investigation purposes.

What is Database Forensics?

Database forensics is a sub-field of the digital forensics discipline that deals with the preservation, extraction, analysis and presentation of digital evidence and findings.

With scientific forensics in mind, it is often used in litigation, criminal investigation and organisational inquiry purposes. However, it can also be used as a specialized database extraction skill to query the database and find out what happened.

Examiners using database forensics tools can expect to be looking more in-depth, such as analysing file metadata, record timestamps, database artefacts and system artefacts.

Which are the Best Database Forensics Software?

Here are the seven (7) BEST Database Forensics software tools that you can use to analyse and recover deleted database entries.

1. DB Browser for SQLite

Popular among users and developers who want to create, search and edit databases compatible with SQLite, DB Browser for SQLite is a free, lightweight open-source tool with a clean interface.

The database software supports Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. One prominent feature of this tool is the ability to export multiple tables to CSV, all in a single group, to analyse together.

Suitable for database forensics, the program comes with a Windows portable app version that does not require installation. You can run this program from an external USB flash drive when examining computer systems.

Some of the useful features are;

Create and compact database files
Create, define, modify and delete tables
Import and export tables from/to CSV files
Import and export databases from/to SQL dump files
Examine a log of all SQL commands issued by the application
Plot simple graphs based on table or query data

2. Database Forensic Analysis System

database-forensic-analysis-system-tool-software

Database Forensic Analysis System is a commercial software that supports multiple relational and non-relational databases such as Oracle, SQLite, MySQL, mongoDB, redis and Cassandra.

The database forensic software assist in resolving the problems about the deleted /corrupted/fragmented database files, false file system, restriction of application system accessibility, etc.

Some of the main features include;

Unrestricted Accessibility to the database files – no need for password or account info from the application system
Extraction and Recovery for the normal/deleted/damaged database files – e.g. tables, views, triggers
Multiple Analysis Functions – e.g. .keyword searching, SQL statement query, visual connection analysis
Patent File Craving Technology – extract, analyze and reorganize the fragmented database files

3. Forensic Toolkit for SQLite

Forensic-toolkit-for-SQLite-database-software-tool

This commercial forensic software suite is a must-have for any forensic investigators to make the tasks of recovering SQLite records from disk, image and database simpler.

The Forensic Toolkit for SQLite is a suite of three (3) comprehensive software tools namely;

The Forensic Browser for SQLite
Forensic Recovery for SQLite
SQLite Forensic Explorer

It is an investigative tool designed to show every single byte of an SQLite database, journal or WAL file along with its decoded data. It is also an forensic tool to aid in the recovery of databases, tables and records.

Some of the features include;

examining unused spaces in tables and indexes,
viewing how each record in encoded and stored in a table or index,
exploring the free list and every page within it
Overview of the type and content of the database, which can be SMS, passwords or any other valuable evidence

4. Log Analyzer for SQL

Stellar-Log-Analyzer-for-MySQL-database-forensics-software-tool

This commercial forensic tool was designed specifically for database administrators to analyze log files transactions of MySQL Server databases and recover deleted transaction logs.

Log Analyzer for SQL scans the forensic details of Redo, General, and Binary logs to identify abnormalities in the MySQL database.

The forensic tool helps you preview the type of transaction (insert, delete, and update), the time of the transaction, the name of the transaction, and the table name involved in the query.

Some of the features include;

Saving of logs in multiple formats, such as MySQL, CSV, HTML, and XLS format.
Date filters on log transactions and log transaction data to analyze the data for a particular time period
Option to save log report of the MySQL log file analysis process

5. SQLite Forensics Explorer

SQLite-Forensic-Explorer_database-software-tool

SQLite forensics explorer is designed for investigators and administrators to restore lost and deleted databases and exporting these entries in different formats.

The forensic tool reveals the intention of the user who deletes the database records by not only recovering the deleted data but also highlights the data which is deleted or secure deleted.

Some of the main features are;

Sort data with colour schema – different colours for normal data, deleted data, unallocated data, etc
Manage multiple custodians
Recover associated journal files
Indexing of SQLite databases for further investigation or judicial proceeding
Mutiple options for export, e.g. csv/pdf

6. SQLite Viewer

Foxton forensics has a free tool called SQLite Viewer that is used for inspecting the contents of SQLite databases.

The forensic software has a database searcher that automatically load all SQLite databases from folder and subfolders. Images are stored in the database are also automatically extracted and viewable by examiners in the built-in gallery interface.

SQLite Viewer has a hex viewer to examine BLOBs and export them to a file for further analysis.

7. dbResponder

dbResponder-database-forensics-software-tool

dbResponder is a free, SQL Server forensics tool that is capable of automated preservation and advanced analysis of database artefacts.

The forensic tool is useful for data breaches preparation & response and is developed by Kevvie Fowler who is a partner and National Cyber Response leader for KPMG.

The software can acquire database artefacts from a single or multiple SQL servers. All artefacts collected are forensically preserved with timestamps, metadata and hashes.

Best-cloud-forensics-social-media-extraction-software

5 BEST Cloud Forensics & Social Media Extraction Tools

Best of / May 8, 2023

Data in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive, iTunes, webpages, social media sites) are constantly prone to changes or deletion. Therefore, cloud forensics is often referred to as taking a snapshot of the data at that moment in time.

Therefore it is important to use proper cloud forensic software to collect and preserve this digital evidence.

Cloud forensics tools are especially important if you use them for law enforcement cases (criminal offences) or corporate crime investigations, e.g. checks into employee misconduct, data leaks, etc.

Cloud data can be very useful where evidence no longer resides on local storage, e.g. computers & mobile phones, due to deletion or overwriting.

Sub-disciplines of digital forensics include mobile forensics, memory forensics and many more.

What do I need to perform cloud forensics and social media extraction?

You will still need the following;

The correct login credentials and authentication token for the software to gain access to the account and begin cloud extraction.
A clean computer, preferably with a wired connection (stable connection) and enough storage space (for the extracted cloud data)

What are the Best Cloud Forensics and Social Media Extraction Tools?

These are the five (5) cloud forensics and social media extraction that collect cloud data in a forensically-sound manner and can be used in a court of law as digital evidence.

Table Of Contents

What do I need to perform cloud forensics and social media extraction?
What are the Best Cloud Forensics and Social Media Extraction Tools?

1. Oxygen Forensic® Cloud Extractor

Best-Cloud-Forensics-Social-Media-Extraction

Founded in 2000, Oxygen Forensics is a Russian company headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia and provides mobile forensics capabilities to law enforcement, federal agencies and enterprises.

The digital forensic tool has had a built-in feature called Cloud Extractor since 2014, which acquires data from popular cloud storage and cloud email providers. Gmail, Google Drive, OneDrive, iTunes, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and many more are some of them.

With the extracted cloud data, Cloud Extractor provides additional analytic features, e.g. Timeline (data in a chronological manner), Social Links (frequently communicated parties) and Image Categorization (sorting of images using built-in AI).

Cloud Support & Features

Supports over 100+ cloud services
Acquisition from Google, iCloud, Microsoft cloud services, popular SaaS offerings like Dropbox & Box and social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, etc
Cloud access via various authorization methods, support 2FA and data decryption
Allow users to configure proxy settings for each cloud service

2. X1 Social Discovery

x1-social-discovery-media-extraction-cloud-forensics

XI Social Discovery is a case-centric workflow platform that enables users to correctly capture web content while maintaining data preservation and retaining metadata values.

The social media extraction tool collects and searches data from social networks and online web pages.

Unlike the traditional method of manual webpage exporting and taking screenshots, XI Social Discovery collects the web data, allows users to search & analyse them and aggregates all these data into a single user interface.

Cloud Support & Features

Support data types from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Webpages, Gmail and many more
Reporting feature based on filter and data extraction
Data is forensically-sound in the process of cloud extraction
Patented web page authentication

3. Magnet AXIOM: Cloud Forensics

Magnet AXIOM offers a comprehensive solution for lawfully recovering and analyzing cloud-based evidence in various ways from suspects, victims, witnesses, and publicly available cloud sources, e.g. social media and webpages.

The social media and cloud extraction tool allow users to extract, recover, analyze and report on their cloud evidence and open-source intelligence (OSINT) data in one single case interface.

Cloud Support & Features

Support cloud extraction from over 50+ cloud services
Ability to import Warrant Returns formats from Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Support ingestion of user-generated archive files from Facebook and Google (e.g. Google Takeout)
Gain access to cloud account via login credentials and 3rd party tokens and keychains

4. Cellebrite UFED Cloud

cellebrite-ufed-cloud-forensics-social-media-extraction

Since entering the mobile forensics industry in 2007, Cellebrite UFED has been the major player in this field for many years.

One of Cellebrite’s product, the UFED Cloud, allow users to collect, preserve and analyze popular cloud services, social media data, instant messaging apps, web pages and many more.

Cloud Support & Features

Support over 50+ popular cloud services and social media sites
Lawful access to time-sensitive online evidence using cloud forensics methodology
Ability to import extracted cloud data into the UFED Digital Intelligence platform for further review and analysis
Ability to visualise data in a unified format, e.g. timeline format and maps format

5. MSAB XRY Cloud

MSAB is a Swedish company that specialises in using forensic technology for mobile device examination and analysis. The company’s main product is the XRY, their flagship mobile forensics software for extracting mobile data.

The company has a separate component product called the XRY Cloud, which is used to perform cloud forensics. XRY cloud can be used as a standalone tool or as part of the complete MSAB ecosystem suite of tools.

XRY Cloud offers two (2) modes of cloud extraction. First is the automatic mode, which requires the device to have online access to extract the app token, e.g. Facebook token. The second mode uses the usual login credentials (ID/password) and does not require the device’s presence.

Cloud Support & Features

Support over 50+ cloud services
Cloud extraction from Whatsapp, Snapchat, iCloud, Facebook, Google services, etc
Use of Cloud Tokens to gain access if login credentials cannot be obtained

Digital Forensics vs Data Recovery: Key Differences Compared