A SMART Goal-based Framework for Privacy Preserving Embedded Forensic Investigations

Forensic investigations obtain as much information from a crime suspect to gather evidence for the case. However, such investigations performed on embedded devices may invade the privacy of those possessing the devices. An embedded device is a valuable potential source of evidence and also is a personal device consisting of private data. In our research, we discuss the various implications of data privacy laws on embedded device forensics investigations, the role of anti-forensics and propose set of policies and measures for handling the privacy concerns to embedded forensic investigations. We also propose a SMART framework for enabling privacy-preserving embedded digital forensic investigations at every phase of a traditional forensic framework. We scope our work for non-corporate owners of embedded devices who are under criminal investigations for a cyber crime.