Fagbola, Funmilola IkeoluVenter, H.S. (Hein)2022-07-182022-07-182022-01Fagbola, F.I.; Venter, H.S. Smart Digital Forensic Readiness Model for Shadow IoT Devices. Applied Sciences 2022, 12, 730. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/app12020730.2076-3417 (online)10.3390/app12020730https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/86272Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects for communication and data sharing. However, these devices can become shadow IoT devices when they connect to an existing network without the knowledge of the organization’s Information Technology team. More often than not, when shadow devices connect to a network, their inherent vulnerabilities are easily exploited by an adversary and all traces are removed after the attack or criminal activity. Hence, shadow connections pose a challenge for both security and forensic investigations. In this respect, a forensic readiness model for shadow device-inclusive networks is sorely needed for the purposes of forensic evidence gathering and preparedness, should a security or privacy breach occur. However, the hidden nature of shadow IoT devices does not facilitate the effective adoption of the most conventional digital and IoT forensic methods for capturing and preserving potential forensic evidence that might emanate from shadow devices in a network. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a conceptual model for smart digital forensic readiness of organizations with shadow IoT devices. This model will serve as a prototype for IoT device identification, IoT device monitoring, as well as digital potential evidence capturing and preservation for forensic readinessen© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.Internet of Things (IoT)Shadow devicesForensic readiness modelForensic evidence gathering and preparednessSecurity breachPrivacy breachArticle