Squirrel Forensics logo featuring Sleuthy the Squirrel, representing a leading digital forensics and cybersecurity company.

The Acorn – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

Squirrel Forensics Ltd is a UK-based company providing affordable, portable digital forensic solutions built on open-source technology. We serve investigators, incident responders, educators, and enthusiasts.

The Acorn is our flagship product — a Linux-based forensic workstation preloaded with over 70 open-source DFIR tools, a proprietary USB write-blocker, and a custom-built GUI for tool management and training resources.

It’s built for digital forensic analysts, incident responders, students, law enforcement teams, and anyone needing a portable, low-cost forensic platform.

Features & Tools

Yes. It features a proprietary built-in USB write blocker with a GUI interface for safe evidence acquisition.

The Acorn comes with approximately 20 essential forensic tools pre-installed and ready to use out of the box. These cover core workflows including:

  • Imaging (e.g. Guymager)

  • Log analysis (e.g. Hayabusa)

  • Memory forensics

  • Network packet capture

  • Hash verification

  • Live response and triage

In addition, 70+ open-source DFIR tools are available via the built-in ”Sleuthy’s Picks” interface. You can browse, install, and launch these tools with just a few clicks — no command line required.

Yes. It can read Apple (APFS), Windows (NTFS), and Linux (ext4, Btrfs, etc.) file systems out of the box.

Forensics & Compliance

Absolutely. With tools like Velociraptor, Nmap, and custom scripts, The Acorn can support live endpoint response and analysis.

Yes. Tools like Guymager and ddrescue-view enable bit-for-bit imaging with GTKHash hash verification.

Yes. All preloaded tools are open-source.

Yes. With proper procedures and documentation, The Acorn supports workflows compliant with digital forensic best practices.

Education & Support

We provide detailed documentation and training materials in the Technicians Hub section of our website.. Additional online tutorials and walkthroughs are being added continuously.

Absolutely. The Acorn is well-suited for forensic education, training labs, and university research. We offer a discounted academic rate for eligible institutions and students, along with support for bulk orders and classroom deployment.

Contact us directly to discuss your academic requirements or request a custom quote: Contact Us

Most IT-literate users can get up to speed in 1–2 days. The built-in graphical interface (Sleuthy’s Picks) makes it easy to find, install, and launch tools

Ordering & Delivery

You can purchase The Acorn directly through our website, with international shipping options available.

Alternatively, if you prefer to order by email or if you have questions about customisation, academic discounts, or bulk orders feel free to contact us at sales@sqfr.uk.

Yes. The Acorn includes a 3-year limited warranty.

Yes. We ship globally with Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) options to avoid customs delays.

Standard orders typically ship within 5 working days. Bulk or customised orders may take longer.

Hardware & Tech Specs

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel® N95 (4C/4T, up to 3.4 GHz, 6MB Cache, 15W TDP)
  • Graphics: Intel® UHD Graphics (1.25GHz) – Supports 3x 4K Displays via 2x HDMI 2.0 + 1x USB-C (Alt-DP)
  • Memory: 8GB DDR4-3200 SODIMM – Upgradeable to 32GB (Contact us for pricing)
  • Linux OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (64-bit) pre-installed
  • Storage: 256GB SATA SSD  – Upgradeable: M.2 PCIe NVMe up to 8TB or 2.5” SATA SSD up to 8TB – (Contact us for pricing)
  • Networking: 1x Intel® 2.5Gb LAN (i225-V)
  • Wireless Connectivity: Intel® AC 7265 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.0
  • USB Ports:
    • Front: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.0 Type-C (Alt-DP)
    • Rear: 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A
  • Additional I/O:
    • 3.5mm Front Stereo Headset Jack
    • MicroSD Card Slot
    • Kensington Lock Support
  • Power: 12V, 36W Power Supply (Multi-region PSU included: UK, EU, USA)
  • Mounting: VESA Mount Kit Included

Yes. The Acorn supports dual HDMI output and USB-C, making it suitable for split-screen workflows or connecting to lab equipment.

Yes. 

Contact & Support

You can contact us at support@sqfr.uk or use the contact form on our website Contact Us. Documentation and troubleshooting guides are also in the Technicians Hub on our website

Yes. Use our Demo Request form to schedule a walk-through tailored to your needs.

Still have questions not covered in our FAQ – The Acorn Forensic Workstation? Contact Us and we’ll be happy to help.