Title: Digital forensics and cyber forensics investigation: security challenges, limitations, open issues, and future direction

Authors: Abdullah Ayub Khan; Aftab Ahmed Shaikh; Asif Ali Laghari; Mazhar Ali Dootio; M. Malook Rind; Shafique Ahmed Awan

Addresses: Faculty of Computer Science, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan; Faculty of Computing Science and Information Technology, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan ' Faculty of Computer Science, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan ' Faculty of Computer Science, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan ' Faculty of Computing Science and Information Technology, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan ' Faculty of Computer Science, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan ' Faculty of Computing Science and Information Technology, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract: Digital forensics (DF) is the scientific investigation of digital criminal activities, illegal attempts, and cyber-attacks through computer systems. It is becoming a crucial aspect of law enforcement agencies, court law, and business farms to identify, preserve, examine, and analyse digital evidence using proof approve and efficient techniques for eventual demonstration of evidence that help to take further actions. This review paper explores the different methodologies and frameworks related to digital forensics investigation and incident response, and explain the impact of forgery and tampering in the evidence chain-of-custody. Moreover, we highlight a list of popular investigation tools along with the features in terms of distinct prospects. Finally, we have evaluated and examined various applications, implementation research challenges, and limitations. The open research areas and future directions also address which need concern for a better and more efficient digital investigation.

Keywords: digital forensics; computer forensics; scientific investigation; digital crime; forgery investigation; cybersecurity; information security; malicious attacks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESDF.2022.121174

International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, 2022 Vol.14 No.2, pp.124 - 150

Received: 11 Feb 2021
Accepted: 12 Apr 2021
Published online: 28 Feb 2022 *

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