Digital forensic investigation in cloud computing environment: Impact on privacy

Cloud computing as an extensive IT service delivery platform is one of the most promising technologies for rapid business development and operational efficiency improvement. Unfortunately, many of the attractive cloud computing attributes can be utilized for cybercrime purposes and illegal activities. Effective combat of these cybercrimes requires careful application of digital forensics practice in the cloud computing environment. This refers not just to the adoption of specific technical methodologies or tools for cloud forensic investigation, but also to serious consideration of the legal and privacy aspects of this investigation. Accordingly, through this paper we discuss the potential impact of the cloud forensics on privacy in the cloud computing environment, and offer several recommendations for adoption of privacy aware cloud forensic investigation process.