Cybercrime Investigation Research Articles

Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Cybercrime Investigation: Challenges and Future Directions

Computer and social networking whereby criminals use the Internet to propagate criminal activities are some of the major challenges faced by existing policing strategies. Modern-day crimes include hacking into computer systems and stealing money from consumers, ransomware, identity theft cases, and hacking, all of which use the dark web and encryption. In this regard, artificial intelligence (AI) is the most efficient solution for improving the manner of cybercrime investigation. This paper also analyses how AI technologies such as machine learning natural language processing, and deep learning can be incorporated in cybercrime investigations and how they can assist in dealing with difficulties concerning data volume, complexity, and encryption. The advantages of utilizing AI are numerous from pattern recognition to repetitive tasks cutting down the investigation time. However, the paper recognizes that applying AI in business brings legal, technical, and ethical concerns including; privacy, bias, and legal constrictions. This research analyses existing legal frameworks of India, the EU, and the United States while looking at how it would be possible to incorporate AI into cybercrime investigations without violating the rights of a citizen. Further, it reveals infringement and possible bias, as well as unlawful use for violations, and recounts drawbacks related to the lack of resources and expertise that police departments confront. In the final section of the paper, directions for future research focusing on the use of AI in the fight against cybercrime are given in addition to that, the practice of cooperation with different countries, legal regulation of such activities, protection of ethical issues, and training of personnel are described. They are useful in making sure that the levels of artificial intelligence benefits are achieved fully without compromising security and the basic rights of an individual

The present and future of child sexual abuse on the metaverse: recommendations for an innovative approach to law enforcement responses

Purpose The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to diagnose and analyze the current state of child sexual violence in the Metaverse through thematic analysis, identifying patterns and empirically diagnosing issues and (2) to enhance cybercrime investigation capabilities and public safety training in Metaverse investigations in the future. Design/methodology/approach By using thematic analysis, the study examines online child sexual violence victimization cases in the Metaverse, collecting data through keyword searches in newspapers and court records. Research limitations/implications This study provides detailed policy recommendations for building trust between the government and citizens involved in the digital age. Originality/value The research endeavors harbor a dual focus: first, to meticulously dissect and comprehend the prevalent landscape of child sexual violence within the intricate realms of the Metaverse. Through rigorous thematic analysis, the authors endeavor to unearth underlying patterns, diagnose empirical realities and illuminate the pressing issues at hand. Second, the authors aspire to fortify the arsenal of cybercrime investigation techniques, bolstering the capacity for future Metaverse inquiries. Using thematic analysis, the study meticulously scrutinizes a dozen cases of online child sexual violence, meticulously gathering data from diverse sources such as newspapers and court records. The implications of the research extend far beyond academia, offering concrete policy recommendations to safeguard vulnerable denizens of the Metaverse.

A digital forensic analysis of an electrocardiogram medical device: A first look

AbstractThe increased frequency and severity of cybersecurity incidents impacting healthcare organizations has prompted the publication of suggested best practices for these organizations, when attempting to respond to incidents in their respective settings. While these best practices provide a wealth of information on how to respond to a cybersecurity incident impacting medical devices, minimal information is provided related to the forensics investigation of the devices themselves. A growing appetite for digital evidence from medical devices, coupled with limited practical guidance from industry best practices prompts an investigation into identifying tools and techniques to assist digital forensic investigators with device disassembly, data acquisition, and preservation of evidence in medical devices. This paper presents the results of a detailed exploratory case study involving the digital forensic investigation of a General Electric MAC 800 electrocardiogram medical device. The contributions of this research are threefold. First, it provides an empirical demonstration of practical techniques for acquiring and examining residual data from the electrocardiogram medical device. Second, the research documents the artifacts that can be recovered from the medical device, which could be used as potential evidence. Third, it provides the foundation for future investigations regarding the tools and processes suitable for examining additional medical devices.This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation Digital and Multimedia Science > IoT Forensics

The need for cybercrime regulation on a global scale by the international law and cyber convention

This study highlights the necessity of controlling the issue of Cybercrime with International Law Principles and treaties, the legal foundation of international cybercrime legislation. The paper pursued normative behavior relying on the legislation of the European Union and countries outside of Europe. The implications of Cybercrime in cyberattack events establish a legal foundation for preventing and punishing cyber criminals wherever they occur. The perceived threats arising from cyberattack activities are grounded in known cyberattack behaviors and literature, underscoring the imminent nature of these threats. The Convention on Cybercrime, inaugurated in Budapest, Hungary, in November 2001, is recognized as a pivotal international agreement addressing Cybercrime and electronic evidence. The negotiation process included the Council of Europe, United States, Japan, Canada, and South African participants. Significantly, nations across Africa, the Americas, and the Asia/Pacific are harnessing this agreement to implement robust strategies against cybercrime. Cybercrime is a new area of international law, namely, International Criminal Law. The international community handles it because no convention has identified Cybercrime globally. It is urgent to govern Cybercrime globally, and statistics imply that the need to regulate Cybercrime under international criminal law is critical. The paper adopts a method designed to deeply understand the global legal structures related to cybercrime. The study employs a comprehensive approach, merging normative legal research to meticulously examine and interpret key legal documents such as the Budapest Convention, with a comparative legal analysis both within the European Union and globally. This analysis scrutinizes various jurisdictions, identifying best practices and discrepancies to inform a holistic understanding of cybercrime regulation. Policy analysis is conducted to critically assess existing strategies and propose innovative solutions, while technological insights are integrated to ensure legal frameworks are attuned to the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats. Involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including legal scholars and cybersecurity experts, the research offers a diverse perspective. This multifaceted approach aims to balance thorough legal scrutiny with actionable solutions, promoting robust and flexible strategies for international cybercrime regulation. The results of this comprehensive study underscore the urgent need for a global, unified legal response to combat cybercrime effectively. It concludes that the Budapest Convention marks a significant turning point, offering a foundation for international cooperation and legal harmonization in tackling cybercrimes. However, the rapid technological advancements and the evolving sophistication of cyber threats demand that this convention and other international legal instruments adapt and expand accordingly. The study highlights the importance of harmonizing legal definitions and practices across different jurisdictions, both in common law and civil law countries, cybercrime address the borderless nature of cybercrime. The necessity for enhanced collaboration between public and private sectors in cybercrime investigations is emphasized, alongside the importance of establishing ethical data collection and sharing standards.

Motivational Analysis Behind Cyber Criminal Behaviour in Nigeria

The invention of the cyberspace showcased in the use of internet, a necessary tool that has come to stay, defining how people interact and communicate on daily basis, defiling the phenomenon of time and space, thereby making the world a global community. The internet can be said to be a two edged sword that is advantageous and can be destructive depending on the application and user motivations. It’s on this note that the work analyzes the motivations behind cybercriminal behaviour in Nigeria, Identifying ‘anonymity in cyberspace, thrill-seeking, financial gain, revenge seeking, addiction, law enforcement and weak cyber security’ as the key motivations behinds cybercriminal behaviours. ‘Routine Activity Theory’ was used to analyze the work, anchoring it on the premise of ‘motivated offender’. The study concluded with recommendations that government and stakeholders in the cyberspace industries, need to prioritize investment in ‘law enforcement and weak cyber security’ overhauling the security architecture in charge of prosecutions and investigation of cybercrime activities/offenses, which guarantee protection of confidential data and reduce the risk of cybercrimes.

Investigation of Cyber Crime in the Indonesian Legal Framework

Investigation of Cyber Crime in the Indonesian Legal Framework

Forensic analysis of web browsers lifecycle: A case study

The widespread integration of the internet into daily life across sectors such as healthcare, education, business, and entertainment has led to an increasing dependence on web applications. However, inherent technological vulnerabilities attract cybercriminals, necessitating robust security measures. While these security measures, including frequent updates/fixes to applications and operating systems, are essential, they also complicate forensic investigations. This research proposes a comprehensive approach to artifact identification and collection for examining browsing activities of Firefox, Chrome, and Edge on Windows 11. The methodology includes setting up and analyzing all stages of browser usage, such as installations, executions, uninstallations, and anomalous behaviors like crashes and restarts. Simulated cyber-criminal activities are used to collect artifacts at each stage, which are then analyzed using Windows 11 components such as the registry, memory, storage, and log locations. Experimental results reveal vulnerabilities, such as crashes, that can lead to the loss of sensitive information. This methodology provides a promising foundation for advancing browser forensic analysis and enhancing cybercrime investigations.

Cybercrime Investigation and Prosecution in Nigeria: Bridging the Gaps

Cybercrime Investigation and Prosecution in Nigeria: Bridging the Gaps

TLS key material identification and extraction in memory: Current state and future challenges

Memory forensics is a crucial part of digital forensics as it can be used to extract valuable information such as running processes, network connections, and encryption keys from memory. The last is especially important when considering the widely used Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol used to secure internet communication, thus hampering network traffic analysis. Particularly in the context of cybercrime investigations (such as malware analysis), it is therefore paramount for investigators to decrypt TLS traffic. This can provide vital insights into the methods and strategies employed by attackers. For this purpose, it is first and foremost necessary to identify and extract the corresponding TLS key material in memory.In this paper, we systematize and evaluate the current state of techniques, tools, and methodologies for identifying and extracting TLS key material in memory. We consider solutions from academia but also identify innovative and promising approaches used “in the wild” that are not considered by the academic literature. Furthermore, we identify the open research challenges and opportunities for future research in this domain. Our work provides a profound foundation for future research in this crucial area.

Efficient usage of web forensics, disk forensics and email forensics in successful investigation of cyber crime

Efficient usage of web forensics, disk forensics and email forensics in successful investigation of cyber crime

Problems of Investigation of Crimes in the Field of Information Technology

The purpose of the study is to analyse the main problems that law enforcement agencies and information technology security specialists face when investigating cybercrime. In particular, the research work is also aimed at identifying the main shortcomings in the process of investigating crimes in the relevant area, analysing the legal acts governing these legal relations, and elucidating foreign experience in further improving the investigation of cybercrime. The methods that were used to write the work are as follows: legal hermeneutics, comparative, statistical, method of analysis, synthesis. The main results of the study were: clarification of the concept of “information technology”, as well as the categories involved in this concept, in particular, information legal relations, cybercrimes; analysis of the legislation regulating relations in the information sphere and the main shortcomings of the relevant legislation of Kazakhstan, possible improvements in regulatory legal acts.

Capability of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Cordillera (Racu-Cor) in Handling Cybercrime Cases

The advancement in technology has its pros and cons. Surely, it provides convenience in the society. But as it advances, the method of committing crimes also advances which was evident during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when most of people were using the internet and digital devices. It was the time that cybercrime cases like phishing, and online and text scams were most prevalent. This event led to the study of the capability of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit-Cordillera in handling cybercrime cases. Through its determination, it reveals that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle cybercrime cases. This study also aims to determine the issues and challenges and the strategies and practices in handling cybercrime cases. The qualitative approach was applied and specifically employed a semi-structured interview with the personnel of the RACU-COR specifically handling cybercrime investigations. Data shows that in terms of their capabilities, the personnel were qualified to conduct cybercrime investigations as they are compliant with the qualifications of the organization and they were also able to possess different skills in line with their profession which they have obtained from the trainings that they have undergone. They were also able to provide the equipment that they are using in investigating cybercrime cases. Though they were compliant, it still had limitations as to the legal challenges that they needed to adhere and there were advanced forensic tools and techniques that still needed to be addressed especially on the cases of dummy accounts. Keywords: Cybercrime, RACU-COR, digital evidence, Capability, Investigation

Uncovering the social impact of digital steganalysis tools applied to cybercrime investigations: a European Union perspective

Uncovering the social impact of digital steganalysis tools applied to cybercrime investigations: a European Union perspective

CYBERCRIMES, LAW, AND CYBER FORENSICS: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INDIAN, BRITISH, AND AMERICAN CONTEXTS

New forms of crime have emerged with the rising prevalence of computer misuse. Some of them include the use of cutting-edge tools and methods for criminal conspiracy. From spreading fraud through email to stealing and reselling intellectual property, cybercrime covers a lot of ground. The domain of computer science known as "cyber forensics" is considered to be among the most essential subfields. It is concerned with the investigation of cybercrime. The concept of cyber forensics is broken down into its parts by the author in this paper. This paper focuses on the significance of the topic as well as some of the methods and instruments that are used by cyber forensic investigators. The objective of cyber forensics is to conduct an examination of electronic content in a manner that is forensically sound with the goals of preserving, recovering, analyzing, identifying, and presenting facts and views about digital information. Cyber forensics evidence undergoes the same processes as other digital evidence and serves as supporting evidence in judicial proceedings. Cyber forensics is often linked to the investigation of cybercrime, but it may also be utilized in legal actions involving private parties. This paper demonstrates the necessity for further investigation into how cyber forensics might be used to enhance the identification of cybercrime. This research will help fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge of how cyber forensics investigations are conducted in India and explore cyber security policy in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India to identify both similarities and differences. Keywords: Cybercrime, Cyber Forensics, Policy

Legal Framework for Socially Responsible Social Media Platforms in Pakistan

ABSTRACT This research is aimed to investigate wider phenomenon of possible need for legislation for regulation of social media in Pakistan. In-depth interview research method was applied under Qualitative study to investigate this phenomenon. Overall, 10 respondents from law and media departments from public as well as private sector universities of five main cities were chosen to collect their opinion with the help of 15 structured questionnaire with open ended approach. The study found out that there was no legislation existent for regulation of social media in Pakistan. The study revealed voices were raised from different corners of society including journalistic bodies labelling restriction and embargo on freedom of speech. The study concluded that the government should introduce such legislation after having detailed discussion with relevant stakeholders including public sector media organizations, information departments, law and media departments and other relevant stakeholders. The study concluded that socially responsible legislation was required for socially responsible social media in Pakistan. Purpose: The basic objective of this study was to unearth existing legal framework for regulation of social media in the country at par with the international best standards for regulation of social media. This study was tasked to ascertain the opinion of the relevant stakeholders of social media of public and private sector and recommend socially responsible social media in the country. However, the legislation should equally be acceptable for all the relevant stakeholders to make social media effective with its positive use in the long run. Design/Methodology/Approach: Qualitative study was employed along with in-depth interviews having 15 structured questions with open approach to collect data from 10 respondents from five media and law departments from public and private sector universities. Findings: The results showcased the findings that there was no existent legal framework for regulation of social media in hand. However, in recent past, the federal government has constituted a separate department called National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to regulate social media as well as investigate online crimes being committed on social media. However, the legislation was unavailable in this regard. The results revealed all the stakeholders can assemble at one point and draw an effective legislation in this regard to make social media socially reasonable. Implications/Originality/Value: This study seems valuable to the extent as it provides a ray of hope to the depressed consumers of social media especially the parents and teachers as the socially responsible legislation may turn social media as positive platforms. This study may also provide guidelines for the future researchers to investigate the phenome at provincial and district level in the country.

Trends, Challenges and Opportunities of Engaging Digital Forensics for Cybercrime Investigations

The use of digital forensic tools and techniques has continued to evolve as the security community makes efforts to stay ahead and mitigate cyber crimes. These tools and techniques are assisting cybersecurity experts and law enforcement in identifying fraudsters and protecting data by utilizing techniques such as digital traces left by data processing and storage. This paper identifies the peculiarities of digital forensics as a field of study, explores trends, challenges and opportunities presented by digital forensic tools in investigating cyber crimes. We carried out a systematic literature review of applicable tools and techniques. Our research identified challenges affecting the use of digital forensics in investigating cybercrime, and capture comprehensively the pulse of the domain. Recommendations were made that digital forensics lack a unified formal representation of standardized procedures and knowledge for analyzing and gathering digital artifacts. This inevitably causes incompatibility and conflict within various digital forensics tools. This leads to errors in the interpretation and analysis of digital artifacts due to lack of standardized or formalized procedure for analyzing, preserving, and collecting digital evidence is absent. Keywords: Cybercrimes, Police, Cyber Security, Challenges, Techniques CISDI Journal Reference Format Adams Terrence Addey (2024): Trends, Challenges and Opportunities of Engaging Digital Forensics for Cybercrime Investigations – A Review. Computing, Information Systems, Development Informatics & Allied Research Journal. Vol 15 No 1, Pp 1-.8. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/CISDI/V15N1P1x. Available online at www.isteams.net/cisdijournal

Trends, Challenges and Opportunities of Engaging Digital Forensics for Cybercrime Investigations

The use of digital forensic tools and techniques has continued to evolve as the security community makes efforts to stay ahead and mitigate cyber crimes. These tools and techniques are assisting cybersecurity experts and law enforcement in identifying fraudsters and protecting data by utilizing techniques such as digital traces left by data processing and storage. This paper identifies the peculiarities of digital forensics as a field of study, explores trends, challenges and opportunities presented by digital forensic tools in investigating cyber crimes. We carried out a systematic literature review of applicable tools and techniques. Our research identified challenges affecting the use of digital forensics in investigating cybercrime, and capture comprehensively the pulse of the domain. Recommendations were made that digital forensics lack a unified formal representation of standardized procedures and knowledge for analyzing and gathering digital artifacts. This inevitably causes incompatibility and conflict within various digital forensics tools. This leads to errors in the interpretation and analysis of digital artifacts due to lack of standardized or formalized procedure for analyzing, preserving, and collecting digital evidence is absent. Keywords: Cybercrimes, Police, Cyber Security, Challenges, Techniques

The legal landscape of cybercrime: A review of contemporary issues in the criminal justice system

This paper provides a glimpse into the complex and evolving legal terrain surrounding cybercrime and its profound impact on the criminal justice system. In the digital era, the perpetration of cybercrimes poses unprecedented challenges, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary legal issues that law enforcement, policymakers, and the judiciary confront. The paper delves into the multifaceted aspects of cybercrime, examining challenges such as jurisdictional complexities, technological advancements outpacing legal frameworks, and the global nature of cyber threats. The analysis encompasses an exploration of the difficulties in attribution, investigation, and prosecution of cybercriminals operating across borders, emphasizing the need for enhanced international collaboration and harmonization of legal standards. Moreover, the paper sheds light on the intricacies of defining and categorizing cybercrimes, considering the dynamic nature of cyber threats that continually adapt to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital landscape. It underscores the urgency for legal frameworks to keep pace with emerging technologies, ensuring that the criminal justice system remains agile and effective in combating cyber threats. Additionally, the paper addresses the critical issue of protecting individual privacy and civil liberties in the context of cybercrime investigations, striking a delicate balance between law enforcement's need for digital evidence and preserving the rights of individuals. The paper provides a concise overview of the contemporary challenges within the legal landscape of cybercrime, urging stakeholders to adapt and innovate in the face of evolving threats. The review emphasizes the imperative of a cohesive, international legal framework to effectively combat cybercrime and uphold justice in the digital age.

Procedural dilemmas of cybercrimes involving illegal content dissemination in cross-border situations

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the procedural dimensions of the investigation of cybercrimes having an international element. In this context, it highlights the difficulties that can slow down and, in extreme cases, even prevent effective enforcement in two major areas: jurisdiction and mutual legal assistance.Methodology: As the study primarily focuses on legislative approaches, it brings together and comparatively analyses the main EU and international legal sources that regulate cooperation between countries in the field of cybercrime.Findings: Especially in the area of mutual legal assistance, the European Union is actively legislating, and the principle of indirectness, i.e., the possibility for the competent authorities to directly contact intermediary service providers established in another Member State, is increasingly gaining prominence. On one hand, this can speed up procedures, but on the other hand, it entails the risk that the numerous instruments overlap, weakening the effectiveness of enforcement.Value: As some of the legislative procedures are still underway, further research is needed to see how Member States will be able to apply the new instruments in practice.

Procedural dilemmas of cybercrimes involving illegal content dissemination in cross-border situations

Aim: The main purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the procedural dimensions of the investigation of cybercrimes having an international element. In this context, it highlights the difficulties that can slow down and, in extreme cases, even prevent effective enforcement in two major areas: jurisdiction and mutual legal assistance.Methodology: As the study primarily focuses on legislative approaches, it brings together and comparatively analyses the main EU and international legal sources that regulate cooperation between countries in the field of cybercrime.Findings: Especially in the area of mutual legal assistance, the European Union is actively legislating, and the principle of indirectness, i.e., the possibility for the competent authorities to directly contact intermediary service providers established in another Member State, is increasingly gaining prominence. On one hand, this can speed up procedures, but on the other hand, it entails the risk that the numerous instruments overlap, weakening the effectiveness of enforcement.Value: As some of the legislative procedures are still underway, further research is needed to see how Member States will be able to apply the new instruments in practice.