In today’s digital world, users expect seamless synchronization across multiple devices. Whether switching between a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, having access to the same bookmarks, browsing history, and saved passwords can be incredibly convenient. Microsoft Edge, built on the Chromium engine, offers synchronization capabilities similar to Google Chrome but with a few notable differences.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How Synchronization Works in Edge
Unlike Google Chrome, which automatically encourages users to enable sync upon signing in with a Google account, Edge takes a more subtle approach. While users are encouraged to sign in with their Microsoft account, synchronization is not enabled by default.
Once enabled, synchronization collects and stores user artifacts in Microsoft cloud storage. When the user logs into Edge on another device, the sync process automatically retrieves the stored data and updates the browser.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Gets Synced?
Microsoft Edge synchronization covers a variety of data types, but not everything from the browser is included.
Data That Gets Synced:
Bookmarks – Websites saved by the user are synchronized across devices.
Preferences – Some browser settings and configurations are synced.
Extensions – Installed browser extensions are shared among synchronized instances.
Passwords – Saved login credentials can be accessed from different devices.
Auto-fill Data – Form-fill details, such as addresses and payment information, are shared.
Collections – A unique Edge feature allowing users to organize links, images, and notes across devices.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Data That Remains Local (Not Synced):
Download History – Files downloaded on one device do not appear on others.
Cookies and Cache – These remain local for performance and security reasons.
Keyword Searches (Keyword_search_terms) – Typed search queries stay on the originating device.
Omnibox Data (Shortcuts Database) – Search suggestions and shortcuts do not sync.
Media Engagement & Zoom Levels – User preferences for specific sites are not shared.
Prefetched Data Analytics (Network Action Predictor) – This stays on individual devices for better performance.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Examining Edge Synchronization Artifacts
From a forensic perspective, investigating Edge synchronization requires a deep dive into the Preferences file, which holds key information about user accounts, sync settings, and timestamps.
Last sync time
Selected artifacts for synchronization
Account information (linked Microsoft accounts)
Consent to sync status
To examine sync actions in real-time, forensic analysts can navigate to edge://sync-internals/, which provides live sync diagnostics, including errors and data transfer logs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collections: A Unique Edge Feature
One standout feature in Edge is Collections, which allows users to group URLs, images, notes, and snippets of text. However, a significant forensic observation is that Collections cannot be cleared remotely. If a user wants to remove them from a device, they must manually delete each collection on that specific device.
Collections data is stored in the collectionsSQLite database, found in the Edge user profile under the Collections folder.
Collection creation timestamps
Modification history
Source URLs of saved items
Item order and content
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Security & Privacy Considerations
Synchronization introduces both security benefits and risks. On one hand, having access to data across multiple devices enhances user convenience. On the other hand, if an attacker gains access to a Microsoft account, they can retrieve all synced data. Additionally, forensic investigators must note that clearing synced data from one device does not immediately remove it from others unless explicitly deleted.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion
For anyone dealing with Edge synchronization, whether from a security, privacy, or forensic analysis perspective, knowing how data is handled is key to making informed decisions about digital traces and potential vulnerabilities.
----------------------------------------------Dean---------------------------------------------
コメント