Atola Blog

Atola TaskForce

Using extension modules with TaskForce

TaskForce system allows expanding its compatibility with other device interfaces via hardware extension modules. How to plug an extension module TaskForce system must be powered off before an extension module can be plugged: Power off TaskForce Plug extension module into the Extension port Power on TaskForce Thunderbolt extension module With the help of Thunderbolt extension module TaskForce supports imaging, hash calculation, write protection on all MacBooks with FireWire, Thunderbolt 2 and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.   Connecting MacBook via Thunderbolt extension module Connect MacBook to TaskForce unit with the help of Thunderbolt extension and the FireWire cable. Use adapters if needed (included). To boot MacBook in Target Disk Mode, start it Read more…

By Yulia Samoteykina, ago
Atola TaskForce

Lifting HPA and DCO with Atola TaskForce

Host protected area (HPA) and device configuration overlay (DCO) are special hidden areas. They were developed as a feature by hard drive manufacturers for secure storage of vendor utilities or to make a drive appear to have smaller capacity than the drive actually has. But for a while now, proficient users have known how to create and modify them, store data there, etc., by using open source tools. The ability to detect such areas on a drive and image the whole drive space, including HPA or DCO-protected parts, becomes critical for forensic examiners. Otherwise, the evidence they get may be incomplete and lead to inaccurate investigative conclusions. Once you plug a Read more…

By Yulia Samoteykina, ago
Atola TaskForce

Calculating hash in the course of imaging

Atola TaskForce supports hash calculation of both the evidence drive and the image in conjunction with imaging. We have developed highly flexible functionality to help optimize evidence acquisition process to fit one’s internal procedures while avoiding further damage to fragile media. To calculate hash of both the evidence and the image: Click Image category of the left-side menu Select the Source device and the Target device or file Click Change button in the Settings summary page In the Hashes tab there are three checkboxes: Pre-hash source device Hash source during imaging Post-hash target device   Multiselect is available, which allows a user to use all three of these options. However, Pre-hash source Read more…

By Yulia Samoteykina, ago
company news

The 2018 Atola Year in Review

2018 was an amazing year for Atola Technology! We look back at this important and eventful year and want to thank everyone who helped make it very special.   Atola TaskForce launch First and foremost, we have launched Atola TaskForce, a breakthrough acquisition tool for the digital forensics market. It is capable of imaging 12 or more evidence drives simultaneously at speed exceeding 15 TB/hour!   The development process for this tool was as tough as it was fun for the team. And we are extremely happy with the result. It is already being used by our customers in the field as a standalone tool and in the lab by Read more…

By Yulia Samoteykina, ago
Atola TaskForce

Atola TaskForce 2018.12 release is out!

Welcome to the December release of Atola TaskForce! In this firmware version you will enjoy: NVMe support: imaging of NVMe drives using M.2 extension module Imaging of all sectors with data: skip empty sectors and image data only, one partition at a time Improved interface: clickable and editable elements are now easily recognizable and other features and improvements. NVMe support We are pleased to announce NVMe support in TaskForce! NVMe is the latest and greatest technology in the world of storage devices. NVMe drives achieve unprecedented speeds, which has made them very popular devices for laptops, desktop and corporate computers alike. NVMe drives can now be imaged with the help of our Read more…

By Yulia Samoteykina, ago