Next-Generation Digital Forensics: Challenges and Future Paradigms

In recent years, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has rapidly advanced, bringing numerous benefits to the lives of many individuals and organisations. Technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, Cloud-Based Services (CBSs), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) and mobile devices have brought many benefits to technologically-advanced societies. As a result, commercial transactions and governmental services have rapidly grown, revolutionising the life styles of many individuals living in these societies. While technological advancements undoubtedly present many advantages, at the same time they pose new security threats. As a result, the number of cases that necessitate Digital Forensic Investigations (DFIs) are on the rise, culminating in the creation of a backlog of cases for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) worldwide. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that new research approaches be adopted to deal with these security threats. To this end, this paper evaluates the existing set of circumstances surrounding the field of Digital Forensics (DF). Our research study makes two important contributions to the field of DF. First, it analyses the most difficult technical challenges that need to be considered by both LEAs and Digital Forensic Experts (DFEs). Second, it proposes important specific future research directions, the undertaking of which can assist both LEAs and DFEs in adopting a new approach to combating cyber-attacks.