Digital forensics in the era of cyber law: challenges of cloud computing and data privacy

Abstract

Purpose: to analyze the key challenges of digital forensics in the context of cloud computing and cyber law, identify the limitations of existing approaches, and propose an integrative framework to enhance the effectiveness of digital investigations while ensuring compliance with data protection principles.

Method: this study uses a qualitative descriptive approach based on a literature review, with thematic and normative analysis to examine technical and legal aspects of digital forensics in cloud environments.

Findings: digital forensics in cloud environments faces significant challenges, including limited access and control over data, architectural complexity, jurisdictional barriers, and conflicts with data protection regulations. These issues affect the integrity, authenticity, and availability of digital evidence, while existing forensic methods are often inadequate to address the dynamic and distributed nature of cloud systems.

Implications: the need for adaptive forensic methods, stronger collaboration with cloud service providers, and the development of integrated frameworks and international standards to ensure effective investigations while maintaining compliance with data protection principles.

Originality: providing an integrated analysis that bridges technical digital forensics challenges in cloud environments with cyber law and data protection frameworks, presenting a holistic approach that has been largely overlooked in prior research.