Challenges of Cloud Computing Forensics
Cloud computing has changed the way we store and access data. It offers flexibility, cost savings, and scalability. Along with these benefits there are some challenges as well, particularly when it comes to cloud computing forensics. But before we discuss challenges of cloud computing forensics lets first discuss that what is cloud computing.
What is Cloud Computing?
Use the internet to access different services like data storage, running software, or even using virtual servers is called cloud computing. Instead of having your own resources and managing your own hardware, you can rent it from big companies like Amazon (AWS), Microsoft (Azure), or Google. By doing this, you can easily do everything you need from anywhere through internet. It’s a flexible and cost effective solution, but it also brings new challenges, especially when it comes to security and investigating digital crimes.
Normal vs Cloud Forensics
Cloud forensics is the process of investigating crimes or incidents in a cloud environment. In traditional computing, data is stored on physical devices like local hard drives or local servers. Forensic experts can easily seize these devices to analyze them. But in case of the cloud computing, things are different. Data is stored on different servers and at different locations. This makes cloud forensics much more complex.
Main Challenges of Cloud Computing Forensics
Distributed Storage
Cloud services store data at multiple locations, even across countries. If data is stored in different jurisdictions, problems for investigators are even worst. The first issue that is that which country’s laws will apply? Getting access to data is a real legal challenge. Investigators have to follow law and authorities of different countries.
Data Volatility
Cloud service providers constantly change their formations. Due to these changing, data can be altered, deleted, or moved to a new place without notice. Capturing data in its original state becomes very difficult even if local authorities of that country grants access. By the time investigator gets to the source, key evidence may already be gone.
Limited Control
In traditional computer forensics, investigators have full control over the devices they examine, because the devices lie in the labs. But in cloud forensics, the physical control of devices lies with the cloud service provider. Investigator has to depend upon the service provider to grant access to the data. If the provider is uncooperative or slow, the evidence may be destroyed because of its volatility.
Encryption
Most of cloud service providers use encryption to protect data in their cloud. On one side encryption is great tool for data security, but on other side it is a challenge for forensic experts. Even if they gain access to the data, it is difficult to decrypt it without the right keys.
Lack of Standardization
There is no standard method for conducting cloud forensic investigations. Reason for that is that each cloud service provider has its own system. These distinguished platforms make it difficult for forensic experts to develop a consistent and standardized methodology. Therefore they adapt different techniques, which make investigation and prosecution more complex.
Jurisdiction & Privacy
Due to different laws in different countries, investigators also face legal challenges in cloud forensics. Different countries have their own laws about data privacy and cybercrime. Even if the data is related to a crime, it might still be protected by any of their local. Forensic Investigator has to follow the legal procedure of that country; because, a single mistake can cause evidence to be inadmissible before court.
Solutions for Overcoming Challenges of Cloud Computing Forensics
Despite these challenges of cloud computing forensics, there are some ways to improve cloud forensics.
Collaboration with Cloud Service Providers
Forensic investigators must work closely with Cloud service providers. Some providers are already offering forensic tools, which makes life of forensic investigator easy. But still more close collaboration and cooperation is required to make investigations successful.
Developing Standardized Cloud Forensic Tools
There is dire need of standardized forensic tools for cloud environments. In my experience, so far the tools those are available for cloud forensics like Oxygen, Cado, Salvation Data e.t.c are good but they lack in adaptability to all different cloud platforms. The adaptation to different cloud platforms would help investigators to collect and analyze data faster and more efficiently.
International Cooperation
International cooperation is key to counter challenges of cloud computing forensics. There must be special laws related to cloud data which are acceptable globally like the UN Treaty on Cybercrimes. Countries should work together to develop clear guidelines for accessing and investigating cloud data. This will reduce the legal barriers which are faced by forensic experts during their investigations.
Training of Forensic Experts
Forensic experts need to be trained to find their way in challenges of cloud computing forensics. They should understand how cloud systems work and how to navigate the challenges of cloud computing forensics in unique cloud system. Continuous training is must because it will help forensic investigator to stay up to date with new developments.
Conclusion
Cloud computing forensics is a developing field therefore, challenges of cloud computing forensics are also being addressed and countered. Although it presents many challenges, yet with the right tools, international cooperation, and legal reforms, these challenges can be overcome. 
By addressing these issues now, we can be better prepared for the future.
