Cyber Forensic Investigation Infrastructure of Pakistan: An Analysis of the Cyber Threat Landscape and Readiness

Abstract

Rapid growth in technological criminal activities has drawn worldwide attention to cyber forensics. The objective of a cyber forensics is to provide situation awareness in terms of identification and preservation of digital evidence, extraction of information, and analysis of extracted information to facilitate time-critical decision making. However, Cyber Forensic Investigations (CFIs) still lack significant structure to provide reliable insight into major cyberattack patterns. Data from the Global Cyber Security Index (GCI) show that Pakistan lags far behind in technological and organizational initiatives, posing a threat to its national security. This article focuses on state coordinated CFI infrastructure to mitigate the occurrence of cybercrime challenges. Moreover, a conceptual model is established to address the infrastructure of CFI using policy approach, legal, technical, organizational, capacity building, and cooperative venture. This conceptual model is structured in pillars to simplify the CFI infrastructure. The goal of the study is to provide an empirical foundation for policymakers to develop a comprehensive framework for CFI in the country, and to offer insights and recommendations for improving the infrastructure to better combat cybercrime in Pakistan.