Secure Storage Model for Digital Forensics with Authentication and Optimized Encryption Key Generation

<p><em>Digital forensics is an essential component of contemporary cybersecurity investigations, as it facilitates the secure collection, retention, and evaluation of digital evidence. The confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of forensic evidence are significantly compromised by the increasing number of cyberattacks, data manipulation attempts, or unauthorized access attempts. A Secure Storage Model for Digital Forensics with Authentication and Optimized Encryption Key Generation is proposed by this work to ensure secure evidence preservation and controlled access. The model employs advanced algorithms to generate cryptographic keys and incorporate multi-factor authentication, thereby improving encryption performance and decreasing vulnerabilities caused by using static or predictable keys. By using secure hashing, the system enhances evidence integrity verification and also enables data storage that is impervious to manipulation. The experimental test confirms the superior security efficiency, lower access latency, and higher encryption performance compared to traditional forensic storage methods. The results show that the solution is well-suited for secure digital forensic workflows, allowing for the handling of admissible evidence in law enforcement, cyber security auditing, and legal investigations.</em></p>