C3iHub in collaboration with the University of Tulsa, USA Hosted 21st Annual IFIP WG 11.9 International Conference on Digital Forensics

New Delhi, 09 January, 2025: C3iHub, the Cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the University of Tulsa, USA, successfully hosted the 21st Annual IFIP WG 11.9 International Conference on Digital Forensics, held at New Delhi, bringing together leading experts and researchers in the field of digital forensics.

The conference attracted 350+ distinguished group of professionals from various investigative agencies, forensic labs, academic institutions, law enforcement, and government bodies, along with international attendees. Over the two days, participants presented insightful research papers on key topics such as Dashcam and Mobile Forensics, Deepfake detection, Product Authentication, Forensic Tools, and Industrial Control Systems. The conference also featured insightful panel discussions on pressing topics such as Government Initiatives and Policies for the Cybersecurity Ecosystem and Laws, Regulations, and Digital Forensics. During the event, Indigenous Mobile Forensic Tool “CHITRAGUPT” of Forensic CyberTech Pvt Ltd was launched that provides a comprehensive solution for the extraction, analysis, and reporting of data from mobile devices. Its advanced capabilities enable seamless data extraction and analysis, making it indispensable for modern forensic operations that demand speed, accuracy, and mobility in the field.

The keynote lectures were delivered by distinguished experts, including Lt. Gen. M. Unnikrishnan Nair, National Cybersecurity Coordinator at the National Security Council Secretariat, Government of India, on “Digital Forensics: Challenges Arising Due to Emerging Technologies”, and Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Director and Scientist ‘F’ at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, on “The Evolving Digital Forensics Ecosystem”. Lt. Gen. M. Unnikrishnan Nair highlighted the pressing challenges in defending critical infrastructure against ransomware attacks, detecting advanced malware, and grappling with the difficulty of discerning truth from falsehood in digital environments. He emphasized the pivotal role of research in addressing these issues and called for greater collaboration and a unified effort to protect citizens and critical infrastructures in the face of rapidly evolving technological threats.

Dr. Gaurav Gupta discussed the evolving landscape of computer frauds and cybercrimes, highlighting the emerging forensic challenges and their potential solutions related to Cyber-Physical Systems, Quantum Computing, IoT, and other advanced technologies. He also mentioned his students’ patent pending solution for the world’s first anti-counterfeiting printable solution, which can be generated with a standard color printer and easily verified for authenticity using just a customised smartphone app.

Speaking about the conference, Dr. Gaurav Gupta, General Chair of the Conference and Director/Scientist ‘F’ at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said, “Since criminals are most creative but lazy people on earth, these traits can be used to develop the solutions to tackle the menace of computer frauds and cybercrimes. This conference serves as the platform for researchers and practitioners from all around the world to showcase their novel research work targeted towards that goal. The country needs a Digital Forensic Mission to develop the ecosystem to ensure people trust in digital technologies.” He called upon students to take up the research in this field and offered his mentorship to guide them in this upcoming digital forensic domain and also presented problem statements which require solutions while predicting the future of digital forensics.

Dr. Somitra Kr Sanadhya, the Organizing Chair of the conference, Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dean of Digital Infrastructure and Automation, and Chief Information Security Officer at IIT Jodhpur, has played a pivotal role in organizing the conference. Speaking about his work and the conference, Prof. Sanadhya said, “My area of work is centered around Computer Security; and Digital Forensics is an emerging field which promises to deliver solutions that could benefit law enforcement agencies to speed up investigation of cases that involve electronic evidence. My aim in being associated with the organization of the 21^st International Conference on Digital Forensics is to introduce Indian students interested in pursuing research in the field of Digital Forensics to the top-notch research happening in this area.”

Lt Col (Dr) Santosh Khadsare delivered a talk on “CSAM: How LEAs Can Tackle It,” emphasizing efforts to combat the menace of CSAM.

The conference received support from leading product and service providers, including MH Service, Cellebrite, 3rd Eye Techno Solutions, SysTools, Forensic CyberTech, eSec Forte Technologies, Cyint Technologies, Heritage Cyberworld, Lab Systems, Cyberpeace Foundation, Pelorus Technologies, and SkillsDA.

This year’s conference was a remarkable success, fostering insightful discussions, innovative ideas, and valuable collaborations that advanced the field of digital forensics. The 22nd IFIP International Conference on Digital Forensics will be held in India on 8-9th Jan, 2026 is expected to be bigger and covering digital forensics and cyber security.