Digital Forensic: Techniques, Challenges, and Future Direction

Digital forensics is now a crucial field of study in cybersecurity and criminal investigation, which helps identify, analyze, and preserve digital evidence. This systematic literature review discusses the current techniques, challenges, and future directions of research in digital forensics. Contemporary forensic techniques include disk forensics, network forensics, memory forensics, and cloud forensics, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve evidence identification and analysis. Yet, digital forensics is confronted by various challenges, such as the quick development of technology, encryption intricacies, anti-forensic methods, and the volatility of digital data. Growing reliance on cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and encrypted communication channels only makes forensic examinations more challenging. Also, issues of legal and ethical considerations, like jurisdictional disputes and privacy, hinder the efficacy of forensic procedures. Future research will have to address the development of sophisticated automation methods, trans-border legal instruments, and AI-based forensic software for processing massive amounts of data. Blockchain-based technology for maintaining evidence integrity and normalized forensic processes in jurisdictions can further improve investigation effectiveness. The findings of this study emphasize the imperative of ongoing innovation and convergence among academia, law enforcement agencies, and technology providers to solve evolving digital forensic challenges.