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Emerging Threats and Trends in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity

Sethu Laksmi S., Lekshmi Das, Razil S.R. Khan and Pooja Chakraborty*

Department of Forensic Science and Criminology, Annai Fathima College of Arts and Science, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

In an era where the battlegrounds of warfare have transcended physical landscapes to the intricate realm of computers and technology, the adage that the next World War will be fought through circuits and algorithms holds true. The advent of smart technologies, epitomized by the remote computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, is reshaping urban landscapes into smart cities. These connected metropolises harness innovations, like the interweb and IoT, seamlessly integrating real-time data exchanges that enhance the day-to-day lives of their residents. As our world hurtles toward a digital frontier propelled by rapid technological evolution, the symbiosis between humanity and the digital realm becomes increasingly pronounced. However, this adaptation comes at a cost exposing vulnerabilities to cybercrimes and breaches of privacy that compromise the security of individuals. In response to these challenges, the field of cyber forensics has emerged encompassing domains, such as cloud forensics and investigations, into social networking platforms.

This chapter explores the multifaceted landscape of digital forensics, weaving together various disciplines including network forensics, computer jurisprudence, online gaming, and social media forensics. The dynamic evolution of technology has not only transformed the global landscape but has also driven this chapter toward a profound paradigm shift in its approach to understanding and addressing cybercrimes. Technologies, like cloud forensics and social media forensics, play a pivotal role providing cybersecurity experts with digital footprints essential for identifying and apprehending cybercriminals. By delving into the intricacies of digital forensics, the analysis within this chapter unravels the nuances of emerging fields. From the initial stages of recognition and pre-capture to the critical steps of inspection, affirmation, and evidence handling, the methodologies presented shed light on the novel dimensions of digital forensics in our technologically driven age.

Keywords: Digital forensics, cybercrime, cybersecurity, internet, network

1.1 Introduction

The emergence of Web 2.0 technologies and the recent strides in the digital landscape have fundamentally reshaped the global paradigm. The proliferation of digital tools has not only revolutionized the way we operate but has also given rise to new dimensions in cybercrime. As access to the web becomes more ubiquitous, coupled with sophisticated feature advancements, concerns about safety and security have reached unprecedented levels. Malicious techniques, tools, and software are deployed daily wreaking havoc on both well-known networks and those of individual users.

In response to this escalating digital arms race, computer forensics has emerged as a critical discipline. It encompasses the meticulous processes of displaying, verifying, assessing, restoring, and distinguishing data and artifacts from automated and digital devices ultimately safeguarding the privacy of users. However, as digital forensics methodologies evolve, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. There is a growing trend of scammers adeptly employing anti-forensics tools to either fabricate or completely obliterate digital evidence.

The field of computer forensics finds itself at the forefront of an ongoing battle facing new and distinctive challenges. Cyber threats and malicious software are equipped with highly intricate and potent anti-forensics strategies adding layers of complexity to the investigative process. Navigating this landscape requires a keen exploration of these daring adversaries while concurrently staying abreast of the latest advancements in digital forensics methodologies.

1.2 Threats Faced by Digital Forensics

The following are the challenges being faced by digital forensics (Figure 1.1):

1.2.1 Technical Challenges

The creation of digital apparatus has permitted equal admission to several chances and also generated the digital forensics empire to face different oppositions. Various researchers have been assessing and learning known digital forensics issues. Digital forensics systems are susceptible to technical threats that endanger the coherence of the systems. Technical oppositions are those theoretical warnings that can be consigned using be-alive functions, deals, and skillfulness. A portion of tremendous threats interrelated besides digital forensics is encoded, which is a vast capacity of data and inconsistency surrounded by distinct forensic requirements. Transmission technology promotion has made smart encipher products and facilities accessible and widely available. Because of this, the encipher code and grade are more complicated increasing the time and difficulty of presenting cryptoanalysis.

Figure 1.1 Types of threats faced by digital forensics.

1.2.2 Operational Challenges

Digital cameras are conscious in their scope of operation. Conventional IT environments attired on assumption data processing have blended interior event management operations to ensure the most outstanding security. This activity exercises invasion observation systems; log file analysis; and coordinating, identifying, and analyzing loss of data, hackers, and trespassers. For cloud users, these privacy experiences can be arduous. The safety occasion accommodates business and private data and is furnished with anti-forensic apparatus; scammers can abduct or demolish possible proof. The absence of a systematic plan of action and activity in computer forensics disgustingly risks proof removal and examination activity. With the expanding and maturing of digital mechanics, digital forensic inspection is no longer restricted to miniature computer systems but is now a visualized habitat that involves abnormal connections and various storage gadgets. The quick improvement in cloud computing forced corporations to powerfully exchange how they approve, enlarge, and scheme for IT master plans. Cloud forensics needs a preparation aspect, which further endangers computer forensic functioning. Physical analysis and conflict of hard drives are alternate credible functioning provocations that are looked after by computer forensics. Because of the frequent increase in capacity, a small portion of facts is used for inspection, and many figures are rejected. This led to a breach of the user’s security, which created extra threads to the computer’s forensic function.

1.2.3 Personnel-Related Challenges

Personnel-related challenge hazard is the honesty of digital proof. The most eminent challenge is the absence of experienced forensic staff, which gradually affects the activity of digital forensics. Another dare is a chain of custody. One of the most prominent problems in digital forensic examination is that it acquires mechanical controls of the proofs that are not feasible in digital surroundings. Because of the single automation process and administrational laws, productively controlling the chain of events is a primary challenge in digital forensics. From that, it can be entrenched that personnel-related threats make a substantial provocation to old forensic functions. Sometimes, computer forensic expertise either deteriorates to document their job or directly cannot ensure lawful applications that further create a significant warning to computer forensic analysis.

1.3 Cybersecurity Threats in 2023 (Figure 1.2)

1.3.1 Social Engineering

Social engineering persists as one of the mass vicious hacking methods used by scammers mainly because it depends on artificial misconception sooner than technical helplessness. This makes attackers more murderous, and breaching a security system is much easier. In 2023, social engineering strategy was a crucial procedure for acquiring workers’ information and aptitude. Over 75% of chosen computer attacks initiate with an email. Phishing is one of the top causes of data violation after using aptitude and crypto-worm.

Figure 1.2 Cybersecurity threats.

1.3.2 Third-Party Exposure

In the future, computer criminals will have easy access to less guarded networks and third parties with access to the hacker’s target. In 2023, third-party violations set off an even more critical warning as companies progressively take up individualistic fabricators to finish work once full-time workers control them. Since COVID-19, the FBI has clocked in a 300% expansion in cyberattacks. Several studies predict that distant work has made it accessible for scammers and computer criminals to take benefit of the crowd.

1.3.3 Configuration Mistakes

In 2023, the continued cooperation collision of the COVID-19 epidemic, sociopolitical disorder, and economic pressure were more likely to increase workers’ inattentive corrections establishing mass practicable chances for computer criminals.

1.3.4 Poor Cyber Hygiene

Cyber hygiene means routine practices concerning apparatus, like dodging defenseless Wi-Fi networks, and executing safeguards, like virtual private networks.

1.3.5 Cloud Vulnerabilities

Clouds would become more protective...