Digital Forensics in 5G Networks

Abstract

The advent of 5G networks marks a transformative shift in digital communication, characterized by ultra-low latency, massive connectivity, and high-speed data transmission. While these advancements enhance user experiences and enable innovations such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and IoT ecosystems, they also introduce new complexities and challenges for digital forensics. Traditional forensic approaches struggle to cope with the decentralized, virtualized, and highly dynamic nature of 5G infrastructures. This paper explores the emerging landscape of digital forensics in 5G environments, identifying key challenges including increased data volumes, ephemeral connections, edge computing, and network slicing. It also examines the limitations of current forensic tools in capturing, preserving, and analyzing evidence within such high-speed and distributed architectures. Furthermore, the study discusses potential solutions, such as AI-assisted analysis, forensic-aware network design, and real-time monitoring techniques tailored for 5G. The goal is to highlight the urgent need for adaptive forensic strategies that can operate effectively in this rapidly evolving technological landscape.