School of Science

Vasanth Kumar

Overview of thesis

Title: In-circuit forensic analysis of IoT memory modules

My research project aims to extract data from memory chips of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a forensically sound manner for digital forensic investigation purposes. The project involves data extraction from computing devices including embedded memory hardware systems, such as flash memory in a way that is non-invasive and to overcome the limitations or drawbacks of state-of-the-art methods, such as chip-off analysis (which requires the physical removal of the microchip from the printed circuit board). In the age of IoT-connected cyber-physical systems, in which a typical crime scene often has several interconnected smart devices, existing methods are time consuming and can potentially lead to loss of data. This research introduces a novel method using a system-on-a-chip embedded system or a purpose-designed smart device to instantly read all available IoT devices using novel connectivity solutions at the microchip level, and extract data accordingly for forensic analysis. This device could pave a way for a digital forensic toolkit preventing the need for the removal and remote analysis of devices and speeding up the process of evidence gathering.

• Critically review existing digital forensic memory extraction frameworks, methodologies, and devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) environments.
• Develop and validate an IoT system architecture framework suitable for embedded memory data extraction by restoring the system to its last known functional and switched-on state.
• Design, develop, and implement a wireless IoT embedded system framework to access data from flash memories using an FPGA-based memory controller and a high-speed I/O interface.

Research outcomes

The proposed research aims to develop a specialised device equipped for heterogenous data extraction using a methodical approach. The device could become an integral part of a digital forensics’ toolkit with technically superior capabilities compared to current solutions.

The proposed research would deliver tangible outcomes as outlined below.

• A proof-of-concept and implementation framework, which includes all necessary hardware circuitry, embedded systems, software programming, and data analysis.
• Research   papers in terms of peer-reviewed journal and conference publications, representation and presentation in national and international conferences; potentially intellectual property application submissions.

Potential commercialisation opportunities and intellectual property (IP) to be explored with CyberCRC and other industry partners.

Qualifications

PG Diploma in VLSI design, Sandeepani School of VLSI design (2005- 2006)

Bachelor of Engineering, Electronics and Communication, Visvesvaraya Technological University (2000 – 2005)

Research

Research Interests

• Cyber Security, digital forensics
• Artificial Intelligence (deep learning and machine learning), Computer vision
• Internet of Things (IoT), ULSI/VLSI deep submicron digital electronic design
• Industry 4.0, Cyber-physical systems, mining smart solutions, precision agriculture

Past Research employment history

• 2018 - 2020: Research Associate, ESRI, School of Science, ECU
• 2008 - 2012: Senior Research & Development Engineer, IBM

Other work

• 2012-2017: System design engineer, Perth, WA
• 2008-2012: Senior Research & Development Engineer, Bangalore, India
• 2006-2008: Application engineer, Bangalore, India

Past Teaching

• 2020-2020: Tutor, Computer forensics, School of Science.

Scholarships and Awards

• 2020 - 2023 – Cyber Security cooperative research centre (CSCRC) scholarship

Supervisors

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