Secure and provenance-based cloud forensics focuses on ensuring the authenticity, integrity, and traceability of digital evidence collected from cloud environments. Research in this domain emphasizes developing frameworks and mechanisms that guarantee the reliability of forensic data throughout its lifecycle—from acquisition to presentation. Key topics include secure evidence collection using encryption and access control mechanisms, blockchain-based provenance tracking, and tamper-proof logging for maintaining the chain of custody. Other significant areas involve the design of trust-based forensic frameworks, integrity verification of virtualized data, and secure multi-tenant evidence management. Emerging directions also explore privacy-preserving provenance models, AI-assisted provenance analysis for identifying evidence manipulation, and interoperability among heterogeneous cloud platforms. Additionally, integrating secure provenance systems with digital forensic readiness, real-time evidence validation, and regulatory compliance mechanisms are vital research avenues for strengthening trust and accountability in modern cloud forensic investigations.