Mac Mini Setup

Owned by Monique Lassere (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Sept 12, 2022
2 min read

The Mac Mini workstation helps us image and capture data from media, process media, as well as Apple and Mac OS format-specific media and software that can't be rendered on other types of computers. Follow the below instructions to set up the Mac Mini. 

Base Mac Workstation Setup 

This setup allows us to work in the terminal with XCode, Homebrew, Python, Siegfried, disktype, and Brunnhilde, as well as their dependencies, in addition to VirtualBox and BitCurator (which has some of the aforementioned tools packaged inside of it). 

First, set up the Apple ID by logging in. 

You must log in with the houghtondigitalforensics@icloud.com Apple ID in order to access the App Store and download some software. 

Then, download relevant software from the App Store

Most software in the App Store won't be needed but you will want to download a plain text editor to view files in and generate code. Applications such as BBEdit work well.

Install the package manager Homebrew

Directions can be found here: https://brew.sh/ We will use Homebrew to install the rest of the software we need. 

Install XCode Command Line Tools (CLT) by typing

xcode-select --install

Use Homebrew to install the latest version of Python

brew install python3.9

Install Siegfried

brew install richardlehane/digipres/siegfried

Warning: Siegfried MUST be installed for Brunnhilde to work properly

Directions for installing Siegfried are here: https://www.itforarchivists.com/siegfried/

Install Brunnhilde and dependencies (sleuthKit, bulk_eextractor, clamAV, tree), disktype

sudo pip3 install brunnhilde --upgrade

brew install sleuthkit

brew install bulk_extractor

brew install clamav

brew install tree

brew install disktype

Directions for installing Brunnhilde and its dependences: https://www.dpconline.org/blog/blog-niamh-murphy-brunnhilde-installation

Download and Install VirtualBox Platform and Extension Pack: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

Install BitCurator 

Relevant Links: