Experts from the University of Portsmouth and University of Winchester have unveiled a groundbreaking digital forensics tool, Spidernet, designed to track smart device owners and retrieve critical data, even if it was thought to be deleted or destroyed. Published in Future Internet 2025, Spidernet applies cloud computing principles to map digital infrastructures, uncovering hidden data trails left by smart technology.
How Spidernet Works
Spidernet can analyze digital fingerprints from smart devices such as smartphones and robots, identifying device owners and extracting data even when it’s stored remotely in the cloud. The system maps these devices using cloud infrastructure, drawing inspiration from interconnected country servers that form a star-like structure, similar to a spider’s web. This enables Spidernet to detect unauthorized tampering, cloning, or illegal content.
Each device in the framework is identified by a set of distinct features, called “genes,” with the entire set referred to as “DNA.” These DNA markers are tracked by country servers, which use alert flags to indicate crucial information, such as whether the device has reached the end of life, contains illegal content, or requires law enforcement action.
Applications in Digital Forensics
The Spidernet prototype provides a foundation for future research, offering a new approach to investigating crimes involving smart devices. It enables the real-time detection of unauthorized activity and the retrieval of evidence that would otherwise be hidden or deleted. Spidernet is adaptable, with potential for use by law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and military organizations to streamline digital investigations.
Future Research and Development
To enhance Spidernet’s capabilities, future research will focus on integrating machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve its ability to detect and prevent criminal activities. This development could revolutionize digital forensics by making investigations faster and more efficient, while also providing enhanced security for smart technology.
In summary, Spidernet represents a significant step forward in digital forensics, offering new tools to retrieve and preserve crucial evidence in the face of sophisticated digital threats.