Didit Suhartono, Ratna Wardani, Aji Ery Burhandenny, Khairunnisak Nur Isnaini, Toni Hidayat
The Internet of Things (IoT) era has fundamentally changed the digital forensic landscape. The characteristics of the IoT ecosystem device heterogeneity, high data volatility, and a distributed architecture spanning devices, networks, and clouds make conventional forensic approaches inadequate. Through a literature review of 41 scientific publications (2019-2025), the study identified key challenges, including device accessibility, large-scale evidence correlation, and legal and privacy complexities across jurisdictions. The study shows that existing models and frameworks, such as DFIM and IoT-FR, remain partial and less adaptable. As a solution, the study proposes a proactive, integrated, futureoriented approach, centred on Forensic-by-Design (FbD), log standardization, and the synergistic utilization of AI/ML for analysis automation, Blockchain for integrity assurance, and the critical consideration of quantum threats and privacy ethics this framework designed as a formidable foundation for reliable forensic investigations in an era of ever-evolving cyberphysical ecosystems. © 2025 IEEE.
Yogyakarta State University, Amikom University Purwokerto, Engineering Science, Purwokerto, Indonesia; Yogyakarta State University, Information Technology, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Yogyakarta State University, Electrical Engineering, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Amikom Purwokerto University, Informatics, Purwokerto, Indonesia
