Instant Messaging as Information Goldmines to Digital Forensic: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The use of instant messaging (IM) application is very communal among smartphone users, as it delivers ease in interaction and communication. The speed at which technologies, growth, and expansion of networks infrastructure for high-speed data networks (e.g. wifi, 4G, etc.) are changing and the high number of IM applications are available. IM application usage is significantly escalating, also for doing illegitimate purposes, particularly to organize and coordinate criminal acts. They are practically exploited by the criminality groups involved when they target and interact with the victims, or try to run away from criminal occurrences. By systematically conducting a review to understand and to investigate IM applications topic coming from a number of scientific sources (e.g. manuscripts, metadata, files, etc.), a broader picture and opportunity to regain the valuable evidence in the investigation is academically provided.