IoT Forensics: Current State-of-the-Art and the Creation and Extension of a Forensic Tool

A summarization of the state-of-the-art practices in IoT Forensics and a new tool for localizing devices in crime scenes.

 

Honors Received: A message from the Author

My heartfelt thanks for the stellar support that propelled my graduation project, "IoT Forensics: Current State-of-the-Art and the Creation and Extension of a Forensic Tool," to new heights. Awarded an honorable mention in both research and development categories, alongside the coveted title of Best Graduation Project in Research for the year, this achievement is a testament to collaborative dedication. To my supervisor, mentors, collaborators, peers, and institutional partners, your unwavering support has been pivotal in shaping this project into an award-winning endeavor! 

Igor Ferro

Image credits: PCS - Poli USP

 Image credits: PCS - Poli USP

What is IoT Forensics?

IoT Forensics involves the application of forensic methodologies to gather, analyze, and interpret digital evidence originating from IoT devices. These devices, ranging from smart home appliances to industrial sensors, play a silent yet pivotal role in recording digital footprints that can be instrumental in criminal investigations.

Picture credits: Kristina Alexanderson

 

How is IoT Forensics important?

IoT devices serve as silent witnesses, recording valuable data that can provide essential insights into criminal activities. IoT Forensics plays a pivotal role in decoding these digital clues, reconstructing crime scenes, and adapting investigative methodologies to address the challenges posed by the diverse landscape of IoT devices. By developing standardized procedures and purpose-built tools, IoT Forensics enhances investigators' capabilities, ensuring they stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics and bringing more digital evidence in the pursuit of justice. 

 

How does this work help in this scenario?

By conducting an extensive review of the current state-of-the-art practical procedures and theoretical frameworks in IoT Forensics, we lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of this evolving landscape. The development of a novel investigative tool further contributes to this field by offering a user-friendly solution for locating and identifying IoT devices at crime scenes. This tool bridges the gap in standardized procedures, providing investigators with enhanced capabilities to navigate the complexities of IoT Forensics. Our work not only addresses the challenges posed by diverse device landscapes but also propels the field forward, ensuring that investigators have the tools and knowledge needed to unlock digital insights, reconstruct crime scenes, and stay at the forefront of digital investigative practices. Join us on this journey as we pave the way for a more effective and efficient approach to IoT Forensics, ultimately advancing the pursuit of justice in the digital age.

 

IoT Hound: an Innovative Tool

What distinguishes this tool is its meticulously designed user-friendly interface, ensuring accessibility for all investigators, regardless of technical proficiency. Significantly, our tool excels in efficiently locating and identifying IoT devices at crime scenes, streamlining investigative processes. Its adaptability to the dynamic IoT landscape positions investigators to stay ahead of technological shifts, while rigorous real-world testing validates its efficiency and reliability. 

 

Video Demonstration

Here, we have a video demonstration of the software working, capturing the frames and the user (investigator) locating the devices. The narration of the video is done in Portuguese.