Main Hardware Features:
Case: Mobile, lightweight, Rugged, and easy to carry.
CPU: i7 latest generation CPU.
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Display: 12”, LED back-light, touchscreen, color LCD display.
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Hardware: Very high-quality, high performing components; some with military specifications.
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OS: Linux Ubuntu 64 bit and Win 10 Professional 64 Bit in a dual boot.
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Security: Linux OS (Linux is less targeted by malware).
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Hardware Upgrade: The unit can be upgraded at the time of purchasing for additional cost to a larger internal SSD, or the memory can be upgraded to 32GB.
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Application Updates: The application can easily be updated via a USB thumb drive and displays a special update application screen.
Hardware Specifications:
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RAM: 16GB DDR4 internal memory.
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Internal storage: 250GB SSD SATA.
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Storage controller: PCI Express 3.0 SAS/SATA controller supporting 6 Gigabit/s SAS/SATA interface speeds with a maximum data rate of 37GB/min.
Hardware Supports:
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Source Ports: Two SAS/SATA ports and two USB3.0/USB3.1 ports are set as source ports (the user cannot change the role of these ports).
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Target Ports: Two SAS/SATA ports and 2 USB3.0/USB3.1 ports.
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Thunderbolt 3.0 port:
1) connect to Optional Thunderbolt to PCIE Expansion Box.
2) connect to HDMI external monitor with supplied adapter.
3) connect to 10Gigabit/s network via the Optional Thunderbolt to PCIE Expansion Box.
4) connect to unopen Mac.
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Supports Storage Protocols and Interfaces: SAS, SATA, e-SATA enclosures, IDE, USB2.0, USB3.0/3.1, MMC, M.2 SATA, SCSI*, FC*, 1394*, and NVMe*.
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Supports Form Factors: 3.5”, 2.5”, ZIF, 1.8”, Micro-SATA, Mini-SATA, Slim SATA, Ultra Slim SATA, M.2 SATA, PCIE-Memory Card*, Mini PCIE*, SFF-8639 U.2 NVMe*, M.2 NVMe*, and CF-30.
*With the optional TB 3.0 Expansion Option, Expansion storage controllers, and KITS.
Application Settings:
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HPA/DCO Automatic Supports: The application has the ability to automatically open HPA and DCO areas and resize the “Suspect” hard drive to its full native capacity in order to capture any “hidden data: (HPA/DCO are special areas on the drive that support this feature).
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Bad Sectors Handling: The user can select to skip bad sectors, skip bad blocks, or abort the operations. The skipped, bad sectors will be reported in the log file in detailed or in summary.
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48bit LBA Addressing: Supports drives with sizes up to 256TB.
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Forensic Images – Destination: The user can save Forensic Images to any storage device attached to the SuperImager unit, or to any connected network, using the unit’s 1Gigabit/s port, the 10Gigabit Option, any external USB3.0 RAID (encryption is optional), or an external NAS storage at a very good speed.
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Cross Copy from any Ports and any Interfaces: The user can choose to capture from one port, with one type of storage protocol and interface, and save the forensic image onto a different storage protocol and interface using destination ports. The cross copy of data can be done between any of these interfaces - SAS/SATA/IDE/USB/SCSI/1394/NVMe.
Application Features:
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GUI: The application is built with large and very simple and easy to navigate icons. In a few clicks the user can set an operation and it will quickly be up and running.
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Speed: Extremely fast – one of the fastest Forensic Imaging solutions available on the market today, achieving a speed of above 32GB/min for SATA SSD and 100GB/min for NVMe SSD.
- Tested with the HASH verification operation with SHA-1, SSD ran a top speed of 30GB/min and 1TB WD Blue SATA-2 HDD ran a top speed of 10GB/min.
- Tested with the Forensic Imaging operation of 1 to 2 with SHA-1, 3 SSD of Samsung Pro 240GB ran a top speed of 32GB/min.
- Tested with the Forensic Imaging operation of 1 to 2 with SHA-1, 3 SSD of Samsung NVMe 1 TB ran a top speed of 100GB/min.
Application’s Main Operations:
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Forensic Imaging Mode
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Complete Forensic Platform
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Data Eraser and Format
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HASH Calculation Authentication and Verification
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Network
Forensic Imaging Mode:
- Mirror imaging bit by bit (100% or any % of the drive), DD, E01/Ex01 – with optional compression, Selective Capture (Capture Partitions, Files and Folders, and with the use of file extension filters), Mix-Format of DD/E01/Ex01, selecting one partition capture.
- Targeted Imaging: Sometimes the forensic investigator does not have the time to do a full data capture of the Suspect drive. Now the user can use the Selective Imaging feature to select only partitions, files, or folders (like the Windows User-Folders or Windows User-Documents and User-Pictures). With the use of preset file extension filters or adding its own filters, the Forensic Investigator can narrow their capture scope and shorten its acquisition time.
- Forensic Restore: Back up the data that was captured to another drive in the original format.
- Forensic Images Formats:
a) Multiple Image Formats 100% Bit by Bit Mirror copy.
b) Linux-DD Format.
c) Encase E01/Ex01 Formats (includes options for optimizing the compression by adjusting the compression level and the number of compression parallel engines) and Mix-Format of E01/Ex01/Linux-DD.
d) Mix-Format is where the user can capture from one source drive and save the images onto multiple destination ports; each target port can be selected to be one of the 3 E01/Ex01/Linux-DD.
e) In addition, the user can use a file-based copy to copy files and folders by using selective imaging with file extension filters.
f) Single partition capture.
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Drive Spanning: Supports spanning the captured data onto many “Evidence” drives when the Evidence drives are not large enough (also supports restore images that are spanned over multiple drives).
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Encryption: On-the-fly AES256 encryption of the “Suspect” drive, saving the encrypted data on the “Evidence” drive in 100%, DD, E01/Ex01 formats.
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Decryption: The user can perform decryption on a drive that has been previously encrypted by any of the SuperImager units. Alternatively, the user can use a standalone MediaClone Linux decryption utility application to perform decryptions on an encrypted drive using any PC. The supplied standalone decryption utility application can be burned onto a USB flash drive that later can be used to boot the PC to the MediaClone Linux decryption utility application, where the encrypted drive and a blank destination drive are attached to the PC (the user needs to supply to the utility application the saved encryption key). MediaClone developed its own decryption utility application in order to make sure that the user can always decrypt the drive was were once encrypted via a MediaClone unit and not to rely on TruCrypt or other third-party applications that might not be supported in the future.
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Forensic Imaging Tool: In one read-pass from the “Suspect” drive, the SuperImager Plus application can run the following operations simultaneously: Forensic imaging with E01 format and full compression, Encryption with AES256, calculate 3 HASH Verification and Authentication values (MD5, SHA1, SHA2), save the captured Forensic Images to 2 “Evidence” drives to a local network, and external compact USB3.0/e-SATA TB RAID encrypted storage. The basic Forensic Imaging mode can be 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:2 for SAS/SATA and USB3.0 storage devices.
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Extreme Speeds when performing Forensic capture with E01/Ex01 formats and full Compression:
- The new Linux-based SuperImager Plus application utilizes and optimizes multiple CPU cores to achieve one of the most efficient operations while also performing at incredibly high speeds with E01/Ex01 formats and full compression. The application allows the user to manually select and adjust the number of hyperthreads and the level of compression used during each session.
- Forensic data captured with Encase E01/Ex01 formats with full compression is widely used for operations in the forensic industry and generally requires a trade-off between speed, space, and time of decompression by the Encase application.
- Comparative tests show a 20% increase in speed when using the SuperImager Plus Linux-based application over the SuperImager Windows-based application. The tests were performed with the same hardware, the same hard disk drives (filled 43% of the drive with random data), and the same level 1 compression. The Linux-based application was set to use 16 compressions threads.
Complete Forensic Platform:
- In addition, the unit can serve as a platform for a Forensic Investigator to run a complete investigation and to perform:
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Virtual Drive Emulator: Enables the user to run a drive, or image of a drive emulator, on the unit (Windows only) and allows the user to share folders and copy important files (bypass the user Windows password). Mount a Suspect drive or it’s DD/E01 images, simulate it in its native Windows Environment, and extract important files.
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Secure Write Blocked File Preview: Browse and preview the captured data on the Internal Display. The user should connect the drive to the unit’s Suspect port to protect the drive via the port’s write-blocking mechanisms, turn on the power to the drive using the application’s power icon, and mount the drive using Ubuntu. The drive Doc files, including XLS, can be viewed using the Ubuntu Open Office package. Alternatively, the user can boot the unit to Windows (if this option was purchased) and view the drive on Windows.
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High Performances: As a platform, a forensic investigator can, in addition to imaging and capturing data, load and run third-party applications to analyze the captured data.
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Cellphone/Tablet data extraction and analysis - Cellebrite, Oxygen, BlackBag, MPE+, Paraben applications, and more (the user can also use all of the 8 USB3.0 ports to run cellphone extractions)
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Triage data collection – Nuix/Encase/ADF portable applications.
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Full computer forensic analysis – Encase, Nuix, and FTK applications (data is already captured, and the hardware can support a full analysis).
- The units’ have very firm hardware that enables the applications to run with excellent performance.
Data Eraser and Format:
- Erase the Evidence drive prior to use (with extremely fast speed of up to 28GB/min with the use of SSD and up to 11GB/min with the use of HDD).
- Erase the remainder of the drive after the copy.
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Drive Erase Protocols: DoD 5220-22M, Security Erase, Enhanced Security Erase, Sanitize, NVMe Secure Erase, or a User-mode where the user can define the final data filling pattern and the number of iterations (Security Erase, Enhanced Security Erase, Sanitize, and DoD erase protocols are all NIST 800-88 compliant).
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Format: NTFS, FAT, HFS+, EXT4, and exFAT.
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Erase Logs and Erase Certification: The application generates extensive erase logs and files with an NIST 800-88 erase certification (also runs S.M.A.R.T. tests before and after the erase operation and is saved to XML file format) which can be exported to a USB thumb drive. The application also has a built-in erase database that can easily be exported to XLS.
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Evidence Drive Formats: exFAT/FAT/NTFS/HFS+/EXT4.
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Audit trail and operation Log Files: Generated automatically by the application and saves it on the Evidence/Target drive (PDF).
HASH Calculation Authentication and Verification:
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HASH Authentication: Simultaneously calculated on-the-fly up to 3 HASH Authentication values MD5/SHA-1/SHA-2 during the same session.
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Hash while Capture: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-2 (all the 3 HASH protocols can be selected to run simultaneously).
Network:
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Network Capture: Data from a network folder can be captured and saved into “Evidence” drives via the use of the iSCSI storage protocols. The SuperImager application (for both capture from a network and save to a network) supports SMB, NFS, and CIFS networks protocols. The capture can run with HASH authentication and HASH verification.
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Saves Forensic Images to Network: Upload multiple Forensic images to a local network (DD, E01) simultaneously by using 1Gigabit/s port, 10Gigabit/s option, or any of the unit’s USB ports to upload up to 8 parallel 1Gigabit/s network streams.
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Disable Network process and protocols for security reasons: Those network protocols are easy to disable using Ubuntu Preferences Tools.
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Copy loose files from/to the network: The user can copy files from/to a network with HASH authentication for better data integrity.
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Remote Capture (Intel based CPU)- Capture data from the Internal Drives of an un-opened Laptop or Computer: Using USB or 1Gigabit Ethernet ports on the laptop/computer enables the user to use the Remote capture application via a USB stick, without the need to remove the drive from the laptop/computer or boot the laptop from its own OS (the capture speed is restricted to the performance of the Laptop/PC CPU and the 1Gigabit/s connection). The capture application can run using HASH authentication. The Remote Capture Option Kit includes the USB flash drive, 1Gigabit/s to USB3.0 Adapter, and a crossover network cable. The Remote capture application supports capture via USB/1394/TB/R45 network ports).
Parallel Operations:
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Parallel Forensic Imaging – Multiple Session Operations: Improves the efficiency of the evidence data collection process by using multitasking and using a parallel imaging process. The user can take advantage of the SuperImager unit’s multiple available ports and run multiple, efficient, parallel operations. The user can mix different types of operations, and each operation can be set as a new independent session. An example of an operation: erase data from a drive connected to one port and HASH verify a different drive connected to the second port, all while performing forensic imagining of 1 to 1 on drives connected to the remaining ports.
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Basic Parallel Forensic Imaging: The supported modes are – Native SAS/SATA (1 to 1, 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 2 to 2, 2 to 3 – the 2 to 3 imaging mode uses the e-SATA port, which needs to be supplied with external power. The 1 to 3 imaging mode needs to be configured at the time of purchasing the main unit) and USB3.01 (1 to 1 and 1 to 2).
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More Ports for Forensic Imaging: with the use of USB3.0 to SATA fast adapters and in combination with the unit’s e-SATA port, the unit can support up to 2 to 7 and up to 4 to 7 Forensic Imaging of SATA drives.
- In addition, using the optional Thunderbolt Expansion Box to add more desirable ports, like NVME, More SAS/SATA, and more..
Parallel Operations – Linux Elaborated:
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Detection Application Screen: All drives and storage devices that are connected to the unit will be “scanned” and displayed in one application screen called “The Detection Screen”. The user can tap on each drive to get its detailed info and run some specific utilities regarding that drive (as long as it is a target drive) – like a quick S.M.A.R.T. test (only using the “Target” port), run a Virtual Emulator (“Source” port), safely preview the contents of the drive (“Source” port), as well as select it for any desired operation they are planning to use.
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Parallel Forensic Imaging: This depends on the number and kind of ports that each model has. The application is very flexible in running multiple sources to multiple destinations, all in simultaneous operations. The user has the flexibility to change a port’s role from “Evidence” to “Suspect” port. The session control application screen provides the user with comprehensive information and direct control over the running sessions, including all the settings of the session and the ability to abort the session.
More Features:
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Drive Trim: Allows the user to manipulate the HPA/DCO area on the drive to create an Evidence/Target drive with the same capacity of the Suspect/Source drive.
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Unit’s User Configuration: This feature allows the administrator of the unit to set specific operations with specific settings, and allows the user to secure it with a lock password (This feature needs to be requested at the time of purchasing the main unit – it is needed for security purposes).
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Tasks Scripting: The user can create a script to run sequential operations and parallel operations. There are no limitations on the number of scripts and operations one can run. Be aware that if the operation requires the use of an input it will stop and wait for the user to input (like when the user is running a drive scanning and a user’s response is needed).
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Language Supports: Easy to implement translations for new languages. Now supporting Korean and Chinese languages.
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Keyword search: Gives the user the ability to perform a quick keyword search on the Suspect drive’s files and folders, with filters on the files extension types and with a few important keywords (this is a quick keyword search to determine if a Suspect drive needs to be captured).
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Keyword search while imaging: Gives the user the ability to perform a quick keyword search on the Suspect drive’s files and folders, with filters on the files extension types and with a few important keywords included in the search images.
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Partition imaging: Gives the user the ability to select only one partition (per sessions) to perform forensic imaging and save it into the Evidence drive in DD/E01/Ex01 format.
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Network Multiple Forensic Image Loader: Besides the ability of the application to upload forensic images (DD, E01) to the network via the 1Gigabit/s network port, there is also a unique feature/solution that can solve the streaming bottleneck issue by using a single port. With this solution the user can upload many Forensic images directly to a local network using 5 equivalent 1Gigabit/s network streams. Alternatively, the user can use the Thunderbolt 3.0 port to connect to a 10Gigabit/s network.
Expansion Capabilities and Main Hardware Options:
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Expansion Box Option: Optional Thunderbolt 3.0 expansion box, using the unit’s extremely fast Thunderbolt 3.0 port to capture data from NVMe SSD, FC, SCSI. Or connect to a 10Giga Network in order to save the captured images.
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USB3.0 to SATA Adapters and Kits Option: Today USB3.0 technology is extremely fast and can run read data from SSD drives up to 20GB/min. With the use of the USB3.0 to SATA 4 channel Kit, the user can convert 4 USB3.0 ports to 4 SATA ports on any of MediaClone’s units. The optional Kit is supplied with one external PS and includes all the cabling to power and connect the 4 USB3.0 to SATA adapters. The tested performance when running 4 adapters in parallel was measured at a very high speed and with very little speed degradation.
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SCSI KIT Option: The SCSI Kit includes the low profile PCIE X1 SCSI controller with single port, 2 channel SCSI LVDS cables (68pin connectors), SCSI terminator, VHDCI to SCSI 2 adapter, and supports 2 SCSI Hard Disk Drives.
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1394 KIT Option: The 1394 Kit includes the controller with dual 1394B and one 1394 ports and cables. 1394 storage devices can easily be daisy chained.
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NVMe KIT Option: Supplied with NVMe SFF-8639 cable and controller enabling the user to capture data from M.2, SFF-8639 (U.2) or PCIE NVMe SSD.
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Thunderbolt Option: With the use of the 1394 Option and Thunderbolt to 1394 adapter, the user can connect the unit into a Mac that has a TB port (that is booted in target mode) allowing the user to access the Mac’s internal drive (The kit includes support Thunderbolt 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3.0).
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M.2 SATA to SATA adapters Option
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Express Card Option: With the use of the Express card reader plugged into the Expansion Box the unit can support PCIE memory cards such as Sony SxS.
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Built in the US: The units are built and tested in the US.
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Warranty: One-year free warranty on the main unit (does not include warranty on accessories, adapters, and cables).
Ports:
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Native SAS/SATA: 4 power and data combo Ports (2 source and 2 target ports).
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e-SATA: 1 Port (connected directly to the motherboard) for external storage (“hot” plug) for DVD, or as a normal Evidence Port.
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USB3.0/3.1: 4 Ports (2 source and 2 target ports; all ports can also be used as a host to plug and use a keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals).
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Thunderbolt 3.0: 1 Port that can be used to:
a) connect to PCIE Expansion Box
1) enabling the user to add other storage controllers to perform capture data from NVMe SSD, FC, and SCSI
2) enabling the user to plug in 10Gigabit/s controllers and use it to save images to a 10Giga network.
b) as an HDMI port.
c) connect to a Mac for captured data from MacBooks (see Thunderbolt KIT).
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1Gigabit/s: 1 Port (for network connectivity and remote data acquisition from an unopened PC/Laptop.
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Additional ports: One 1Gigabit Ethernet port, 2 Audio 3.5mm connectors to support the plug in of speakers, ear-phones, and/or microphones, 2 USB2.0 ports for generic use, like a Codemeter dongle, and an e-SATA 6Gbit/s port.
Power Characteristics:
- A built-in, universal, auto switching 300W UL/CE/PSE external power supply adapter with a key and lock-in mechanism to avoid accidental disconnection.
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Input Voltage: 100-240V/50-60Hz.
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Power Consumption excluding External Drives: 120W
Operating Environment:
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Temperature: 5°C - 55°C (40°F-130°F).
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Relative Humidity: 20-60% non-condensing.
Mechanical Characteristics:
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Unit net weight: 19.00 lbs
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Unit dimensions: 15.00” x 12.13" x 6.90".
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Shipping dimensions: 20" x20" x15", 24.00 lbs.
Included Items:
- 4 SAS/SATA Extension cables.
- Thunderbolt 3.0 to HDMI adapter.
- USB mini Keyboard
- SE-520 hard case with an internal metal chassis.
- Accessory bag to store all adapters, cables, and the keyboard.
