Definition
Backtracking is a process of tracking a hacker’s movements by reviewing the digital footprints left behind after an attack. This technique assists government agencies and security analysts in detecting the perpetrator’s location, identity, and tactics and stopping subsequent attacks by identifying flaws the attackers exploited.
Examples of Backtracking
- Reviewing server logs: By analyzing server logs, probers may discover timestamps, user agents, and IP addresses linked to the attack, allowing them to identify the devices the attackers used and their locations.
- Examining malware signatures: Security specialists may review the code and activity of the malware employed in an attack to detect the perpetrator’s TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures) and compare them to known threat actors.
Backtracking vs. Digital Forensics
Backtracking mainly concentrates on tracking the attacker’s steps, whereas digital forensics comprises a wider range of actions, such as collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in legal cases.
