Investigating the implications of virtualization for digital forensics

Abstract

Research in virtualization technology has gained significant momentum in recent years, which brings not only opportunities to the forensic community, but challenges as well. In this paper, we discuss the potential roles of virtualization in the area of digital forensics and conduct an investigation on the recent progresses which utilize the virtualization techniques to support modern computer forensics. A brief overview of virtualization is presented and discussed. Further, a summary of positive and negative influences on digital forensics that are caused by virtualization technology is provided. Tools and techniques that are potential to be common practices in digital forensics are analyzed and some experience and lessons in our practice are shared. We conclude with our reflections and an outlook. © 2011 ICST Institute for Computer Science, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering.