Requirements for wireless sensor networks in order to achieve digital forensic readiness

The field of wireless sensor networking is a new and upcoming one and unfortunately still lacking as far as digital forensics is concerned. All communications between different nodes (also known as motes) are sent out in a broadcast fashion. These broadcasts make it quite difficult to capture data packets forensically whilst retaining their integrity and authenticity. This paper examines the differences between IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks and IEEE 802.11x wireless networks when it comes to implementing digital forensic readiness within the network environment. It focuses on the differences in the communication protocol, proof of authenticity and integrity, time stamping, modification of the network after deployment and other differences between IEEE 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks and IEEE 802.11x wireless networks. Each of these elements is discussed, after which a table is provided that shows the specific requirements to be taken into account when proposing digital forensic readiness in a wireless sensor network environment.