BLOFF: A Blockchain based Forensic Model in IoT

TL;DR

This paper proposes a blockchain-based forensic model for IoT systems to ensure tamper-proof evidence collection amidst the heterogeneous and complex nature of IoT environments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel blockchain-enabled forensic framework specifically designed for IoT, addressing evidence integrity and contamination issues.

Findings

Ensures tamper-proof logging in IoT forensics

Prevents evidence contamination through blockchain

Enhances reliability of IoT forensic investigations

Abstract

In this era of explosive growth in technology, the internet of things (IoT) has become the game changer when we consider technologies like smart homes and cities, smart energy, security and surveillance, and healthcare. The numerous benefits provided by IoT have become attractive technologies for users and cybercriminals. Cybercriminals of today have the tools and the technology to deploy millions of sophisticated attacks. These attacks need to be investigated; this is where digital forensics comes into play. However, it is not easy to conduct a forensic investigation in IoT systems because of the heterogeneous nature of the IoT environment. Additionally, forensic investigators mostly rely on evidence from service providers, a situation that can lead to evidence contamination. To solve this problem, the authors proposed a blockchain-based IoT forensic model that prevents the admissibility of tampered logs into evidence.