Analysis of the Current State of Cloud Forensics: The Evolving Nature of Digital Forensics

Cloud computing and Cloud storage has drastically increased over the last decade and is expected to grow more in the coming decade as well. This has allowed business to grow and offers consumers cheap storage and the ability to rent virtual servers. However, due to the unique characteristics of cloud technologies, it has also introduced multiple challenges such as on-demand nature, resources pooling, and distribution, legal and investigation issues. These issues have introduced new issues for forensic investigators and law enforcement in access to evidence, data collection, data preservation, as well as many others. This paper examines the current challenges, acquisition methods, and analysis of cloud forensics. Furthermore, it explores the existing solutions and possible solutions moving forward for the next decade.