Cyber autopsies: The integration of digital forensics into medical contexts

The integration of information technology into medical environments introduces a variety of opportunities and challenges for the healthcare community. Medical devices such as ventilators, patient monitors, and infusion pumps, which once operated as standalone devices, now integrate network communication technology. As a result, these modern medical devices produce, store, and transmit large amounts of patient and therapy information. From a digital forensics' perspective, this information could provide a forensic investigator with a treasure trove of potential digital evidence. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the potential place and value of digital forensics processes within the context of healthcare providers, through five scenarios. The aim of the paper is twofold. First, it raises incentives for integrating digital forensics into various scenarios involving healthcare providers. Second, it encourages future research to address the adoption of digital forensics tools and techniques to assist stakeholders in the medical domain.