What is the chain of custody in digital forensics?

Definition(s): A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer.

What does chain of custody in drugs cases mean?

Chain of custody is defined as the duly recorded authorized movements and custody of seized drugs at each stage, from the time of seizure/confiscation to receipts in the forensic laboratory, to safekeeping and to presentation in court for destruction.

How do you maintain chain of custody for digital forensic evidence?

Primeau Forensics’ Chain of Custody Process

  1. Save original package materials.
  2. Take photos of physical evidence.
  3. Take screenshots of digital evidence content.
  4. Document date, time and any other information of receipt.
  5. Ingest a bit for bit clone of digital evidence content into our forensic computers.

What are the chain of custody procedures?

The chain of custody is a tracking record beginning with detailed scene notes that describe where the evidence was received or collected. Collection techniques, preservation, packaging, transportation, storage and creation of the inventory list are all part of the process used in establishing the chain of custody.

What is the second step in the procedure of chain of custody?

Let’s discuss each stage of the chain of custody in detail:

  1. Data Collection: This is where chain of custody process is initiated.
  2. Examination: During this process, the chain of custody information is documented outlining the forensic process undertaken.
  3. Analysis: This stage is the result of the examination stage.

Why is it important to establish chain of custody in drugs cases?

“The purpose of the requirement of proof of the chain of custody is to ensure that the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized drug are preserved, as thus dispel unnecessary doubts as to the identity of the evidence.

Why is chain of custody so important with forensic investigations?

Importance of the Chain of Custody The chain of custody proves the integrity of a piece of evidence. [1] A paper trail is maintained so that the persons who had charge of the evidence at any given time can be known quickly and summoned to testify during the trial if required.

What are digital forensics branches?

The technical aspect of an investigation is divided into several sub-branches, relating to the type of digital devices involved; computer forensics, network forensics, forensic data analysis and mobile device forensics.

What digital forensics do?

“Digital forensics is the process of uncovering and interpreting electronic data. The goal of the process is to preserve any evidence in its most original form while performing a structured investigation by collecting, identifying, and validating the digital information to reconstruct past events.