Suggested/Frequent Sites

Chrome

Chrome, developed by Google, does not have a "Suggested Sites" feature explicitly named as such; however, it incorporates a similar functionality through its "New Tab" page, which displays sites based on the user's browsing history, bookmarks, and frequently visited pages. These suggestions are part of Chrome's effort to enhance user experience by providing quick access to relevant content.

• Location of Artifacts: The artifacts related to these suggestions are primarily stored in the 'Top Sites' database file (Top Sites), which is part of Chrome's user profile directory. Additionally, information about the user's browsing history that influences these suggestions is stored in the History database file.

• Forensic Analysis: Analyzing these files can reveal the user's browsing habits, frequently visited sites, and possibly infer the user's interests or intent based on the data. Tools like SQLite browser can be used to examine these files.

Firefox

Mozilla Firefox has a feature called "Top Sites" on its New Tab page, which shows websites that the user frequently visits or has pinned. This feature aims to improve user experience by making navigation to favorite sites easier.

• Location of Artifacts: Firefox stores information about the user's top sites in the places.sqlite file, located in the user's profile folder. This SQLite database also contains bookmarks, history, and downloads.

• Forensic Analysis: By examining the places.sqlite file, forensic analysts can determine which sites were frequently visited and any specific sites the user has pinned to their New Tab page. This analysis can reveal patterns in the user's web browsing behavior and preferences.

Edge

Microsoft Edge, the default browser in Windows 10 and later, has a feature similar to Chrome's, displaying suggested content on the New Tab page. This content includes frequently visited sites, news, and other personalized content based on user activity and interests.

• Location of Artifacts: Edge stores its browsing history, favorites, and other relevant data in an ESE (Extensible Storage Engine) database known as spartan.edb in earlier versions, and later in a series of databases located within the user's profile directory under DataStore.

• Forensic Analysis: Analyzing these ESE databases requires specialized tools capable of reading the format. Forensic analysts can extract information about frequently visited sites and other personalized content suggestions, providing insights into the user's online behavior.