Title: A road map for digital forensics research: a novel approach for establishing the design science research process in digital forensics

Authors: Reza Montasari; Victoria Carpenter; Richard Hill

Addresses: School of Computing and Digital Technology, Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG, UK ' Academic Development Directorate, York St. John University, Lord Mayor's Walk, York, YO31 7EX, UK ' Department of Computer Science, The University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK

Abstract: Compared to other well-established scientific fields computer forensics (CF) is still evolving as a new scientific field. CF lacks standardisation in various aspects including process models, datasets, procedures, techniques, and formal research methodologies. Consequently, progress in the establishment of CF as a scientific field has been hindered. Therefore, this paper aims to address one of such issues concerning the lack of standardisation, namely the absence of formal research methods in CF. Our study adds to the body of knowledge by filling the gap that there does not currently exist a well-established research methodology in CF. To this end, we borrow a well-established research methodology from the domain of IS, namely Peffers et al.'s (2006), adapt and extend it and make it relevant to research studies in CF. Our study sets a precedent for other researchers to identify, adapt, extend and apply other well-established research methods to studies in CF.

Keywords: computer forensics; design science research; digital investigations; research methodology; information system; digital forensics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESDF.2019.098784

International Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics, 2019 Vol.11 No.2, pp.194 - 224

Received: 20 Feb 2018
Accepted: 11 Apr 2018
Published online: 02 Apr 2019 *

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