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Dark Clouds on the Horizon - The Challenge of Cloud Forensics

Authors:
Robert Ian Ferguson
Karen Renaud
Alastair Irons

Keywords: Cloud Forensics

Abstract:
We introduce the challenges to digital forensics in- troduced by the advent and adoption of technologies, such as encryption, secure networking, secure processors and anonymous routing. All potentially render current approaches to digital forensic investigation unusable. We explain how the Cloud, due to its global distribution and multi-jurisdictional nature, exacerbates these challenges. The latest developments in the computing milieu threaten a complete “evidence blackout” with severe implications for the detection, investigation and prosecution of cybercrime. In this paper, we review the current landscape of cloud-based forensics investigations. We posit a number of potential solu- tions. Cloud forensic difficulties can only be addressed if we acknowledge its socio- technological nature, and design solutions that address both human and technological dimensions. No firm conclusion is drawn; rather the objective is to present a position paper, which will stimulate debate in the area and move the discipline of digital cloud forensics forward. Thus, the paper concludes with an invitation to further informed debate on this issue.

Pages: 51 to 58

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2018

Publication date: February 18, 2018

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4294

ISBN: 978-1-61208-607-1

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Dates: from February 18, 2018 to February 22, 2018