Cryptocurrency Investigations in Digital Forensics: Contemporary Challenges and Methodological Advances

Abstract

Digital forensics, a crucial subset of cybersecurity, encompasses sophisticated tools and methodologies for the interpretation, analysis, and investigation of digital evidence, facilitating the identification and mitigation of cybercrimes and security breaches. With the advent of cryptocurrencies, an array of unique challenges has emerged in the domain of digital forensic investigations. This review elucidates the prevailing state of digital forensic practices vis-` a-vis cryptocurrencies, emphasizing the obstacles and limitations inherent in probing decentralized and intricate technologies. Notable deficiencies in extant investigative practices were observed. Solutions proffered encompass the formulation of novel software applications tailored for cryptocurrency analyses, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities, and the employment of advanced analytics to discern patterns and irregularities within blockchain transactions. Furthermore, a pioneering methodology, merging traditional digital forensic strategies with blockchain-specific techniques, is posited for efficacious cryptocurrency inquiries. The analysis underscores the imperative for a renewed paradigm in digital forensic examinations to surmount the challenges integral to cryptocurrency probes. By forging novel methodologies and standardizing investigative procedures, support for legal enforcement endeavors can be enhanced, facilitating the efficacious detection and prosecution of cryptocurrency-associated misdemeanors.