Current Trends in Digital Forensics with special emphasis on Digital Arrest: An Opinion

Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that focuses on identifying, acquiring, processing, analyzing, and reporting on data stored electronically. The main goal of digital forensics is to extract data from the electronic evidence, process it into actionable intelligence and present the findings for prosecution. Digital forensics can be used for a variety of investigations such as cybercrimes, corporate frauds, intellectual property thefts, and so many others. Amongst all the above, what is significantly emerging as the most common financial frauds is the Digital Arrest. The phenomenon termed "Digital Arrest" represents an emerging cyber-scam wherein perpetrators manipulate online data and communication systems under the guise of law enforcement operations. Victims are coerced into remaining on video calls with the scammers, who impersonate officials, until their financial or other demands are fulfilled. This paper presents current trends of digital arrest. Implication of digital arrest on victim also discussed in this article along with precautions to be taken or how it can be minimized. Challenges faced in combating with digital arrest are also included in this article.