Abstract:
Performing a digital forensic investigation requires a formalized process to be followed. It also requires that certain principles are
applied, such as preserving of digital evidence and documenting actions. The need for a harmonized and standardized digital forensic
investigation process has been recognized in the digital forensics community and much scientific work has been undertaken to produce digital
forensic investigation process models, albeit with many disparities within the different models. The problem is that these existing models do
not include any processes dealing explicitly with concurrent digital forensic principles. This leaves room for human error and omissions, as
there is a lack of clear guidelines on the implementation of digital forensic principles. This paper proposes the introduction of concurrent
processes into the digital forensic investigation process model. The authors define concurrent processes as the actions which should be
conducted in parallel with other processes within the digital forensic investigation process, with the aim to fulfill digital forensic investigation
principles. The concept of concurrent processes is a novel contribution that aims to enable more efficient and effective digital forensic
investigations, while reducing the risk of human error and omissions which result in digital evidence being contaminated.
