Privacy-preservation and containment in IoT forensics investigations: A comparative study

Abstract

The Internet of Things has enabled unprecedented levels of devices connectivity and communication through data collection and sharing from multiple devices. These massive communications also introduced new challenges to digital forensics, particularly with respect to data security and privacy preservation. Internet of Things devices generate and collect massive amounts of sensitive data, including but not limited to personally identifiable information. These data may be valuable for digital forensics investigations, but it also raises significant data security and privacy. Digital forensic investigators must balance the need to collect and analyze evidence with the obligation to protect individual privacy. This article presents a concise but comprehensive comparative analysis of privacy-preserving Internet of Things forensic investigation techniques. The article also identifies some of the key challenges and opportunities in this emerging field and compares the different techniques available to digital forensic investigators. The article highlights the strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of each technique in various scenarios, providing valuable information for digital forensic investigators and researchers on how to select and implement the most appropriate techniques for their specific needs.