Digital forensic research: current state of the art

Abstract

Abstract-Digital Forensics is the process of employing scientific principles and processes analyze electronically stored information to determine the sequence of events which led to a particular incident. In this digital age, it is important for researchers to become aware of the recent developments in this dynamic field and understand scope for the future. The past decade has witnessed significant technological advancements to aid during a digital investigation. Many methodologies, tools and techniques have found their way into the field designed on forensic principles. Digital forensics has also witnessed many innovative approaches that have been explored to acquire and analyze digital evidence from diverse sources. In this paper, we review the research literature since 2000 and categorize developments in the field into 4 major categories. In recent years the exponential growth of technological has also brought with it some serious challenges for digital forensic research which is elucidated. Within each category, research is sub-classified into conceptual and practical advancements. We highlight the observations made by previous researchers and summarize the research directions for the future.

A Framework for Cloud Forensic Readiness in Organizations

“…It is believed that digital forensics, as an independent field, was developed after the late 90s when the number of computer crimes increased as a result of the Internet's surging popularity [7]. Palmer [8] was the first to define digital forensics.…”

Digital Chain of Custody: State of The Art

“…According to [24], digital forensics developed as an independent field of study began in early 2000. However, according to [25], the initiation of digital forensics in fact already started since 1976 where the terminology of computer crime was used to refer deletion and modification of data by a person who was not entitled.…”

“…Also, [20] and [24] suggest and describe an overview of current research as well as challenges in the field of digital forensics. Based on paper mapping on some media publication [25], [26] reveal an overview of the topics and research areas that are mostly examined in digital forensics.…”

Secure and Trusted Environment as a Strategy to Maintain the Integrity and Authenticity of Digital Evidence

“…Digital forensics issues over time has been reviewed by several scholars, namely [18][19][20], [24,25]. Based on their studies, there are a few things identified as the problems and challenges of digital forensics in the future, some of which have impacts on the integrity and the authenticity of digital evidence.…”