Blockchain-enhanced IoT forensics: Advancing security, trust, and efficiency in digital investigations

Abstract

The integration of blockchain technology into Internet of Things (IoT) forensics transforms digital investigations and resolves challenges in the security and validation of evidence within increasingly interconnected systems. This paper explores how blockchain's immutable, decentralized, and transparent ledger enhances the integrity, authenticity, and traceability of forensic data collected from IoT devices. By embedding blockchain within IoT ecosystems, investigators gain access to tamper-resistant records and establish credibility and admissibility in legal proceedings. Smart contracts and decentralized trust models automate security protocols to reduce human error while enhancing efficiency. Real-world applications in smart homes, healthcare, industrial automation, and communication networks demonstrate the framework's potential to strengthen forensic processes. This paper interprets blockchain's transformative role in advancing IoT forensics, for robust, transparent, and future-ready investigative methodologies.