A Review of Different Blockchain-Based Mechanisms Incorporated for Enhancing Data Security in Digital Forensic Images

Abstract

Digital forensics plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, cybersecurity, and legal proceedings. Ensuring the integrity and authenticity of digital forensic images is paramount to maintaining evidentiary value. Traditional methods of securing forensic data face challenges such as tampering, unauthorized access, and lack of transparency. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, immutable, and cryptographic properties, offers a promising solution to enhance data security in digital forensic images. This paper reviews various blockchain-based mechanisms that have been incorporated to improve the security, integrity, and traceability of forensic images. We discuss different blockchain architectures, consensus mechanisms, and cryptographic techniques employed in forensic applications. Additionally, we highlight challenges and future research directions in this domain.