: Registry keys (like Run or RunOnce ) used by malware to restart after a reboot.

While the exact contents can vary based on the specific version of the challenge, archives following this naming convention (e.g., w_bm_s_03 ) usually represent a or a Disk Image segment. Prefix ( w ) : Often denotes a Windows-based system.

Use tools like file (Linux) or to identify the extracted file type (e.g., a .raw memory dump or a .vmdk virtual disk). Artifact Extraction :

Decompress the archive (some challenge files require a password, often provided in the challenge description or "infected"). :

: Prefetch files or Shellbags that show which programs the "suspect" executed.

: If it's a disk image, use Autopsy or FTK Imager to browse the file system, recover deleted files, and examine the Windows Registry. Common Findings in "BlueMerle" Scenarios