Digital Forensic Challenges in Internet of Things (IoT)

Abstract

With emerging technology and the connection of electronic devices to the internet, Internet of Things (IoT) has become part of human life. From the development of smartphones to smartwatches and smart-homes, electronic devices now have the capability of performing human activities or aiding humans in performing activities such as turning hall lights on or off with their voice. Although a large number of people use these devices for the greater good, a few individuals or group of people hide behind these devices to perform malicious activities. In order to apprehend and prosecute perpetuators who hide behind smart devices for evil gains, forensic examinations or investigations must be conducted. This review aims to identify digital forensic challenges in IoT. The inclusion criteria for this paper were international journals, articles, conference papers and case studies published from 2019 to 2022. Thematic analysis was used to analyze and synthesis the literature. Three themes emerged from the analysis; automated compromised smart-home tracer; data volatility and reconstruction; IoT forensic investigation framework. This integrative review combines evidence of digital forensic challenges in diverse IoT devices. Keyword IoT forensics, IoT challenges, Digital forensics, Smart-home forensics.