Digital Communication Forensics in 6G and beyond Networks

Abstract

6G networks can be truly intelligent wireless systems that have the flexibility for continuous technological improvements. However, security events affecting information systems have grown increasingly complicated and sophisticated. Intruders may be able to operate due to a lack of evidence authenticity. Using network forensics methods can solve many cybercrime instances. These methods can be used to locate the intruder and to determine the intrusion’s origin and how it can be avoided in the future. Existing network forensics techniques confront security threats and vulnerabilities in several networks, such as personal area networks, local area networks, wide area networks, and wireless wide area networks under telecom networks, in practice, but cannot operate in 6G and beyond telecom networks, which are critical at this moment. Thus, a comprehensive literature analysis of telecom networks is conducted to identify existing concerns and challenges in conducting digital communication forensics. Hence, a digital forensics system for 6G and beyond networks is proposed as an initial idea on the basis of the highlighted issues, thereby assessing security incidents and providing justified evidence that explains the footprints of the attackers.