A Comprehensive Review of the Evolution and Future Directions of Digital Forensic Investigation Model

Abstract

Digital forensics investigations play an essential role in modern law enforcement, national security, and civil litigation. To conduct a successful investigation, it is crucial to choose an appropriate digital forensics investigation model that fits the investigation's context, scope, purpose, and methods. This paper presents an overview of the main factors that should be considered when selecting a digital forensics investigation model, including the type of incident, legal and ethical requirements, technical and operational capabilities, and complexity of the scenario. Additionally, this paper describes 11 digital forensics investigation models, ranging from simple to complex, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each model, digital forensics professionals can choose the most suitable model for their specific investigation. Keywords—Digital forensics investigations, Forensic analysis, Investigation models, Forensics Model