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Security Operations · Foundational

Chain of Custody

Documentation that records every person who handled evidence, when, why and how, from collection to presentation.

Definition

A chain of custody form tracks evidence identifiers, descriptions, hashes, transfers, storage locations and signatures. Gaps can make evidence inadmissible because integrity cannot be demonstrated. Evidence is stored in sealed, tamper-evident bags in secure locations.

Example

Signing and dating the custody form each time a seized hard drive moves from the lab to the evidence locker.

Exam tip

If the chain of custody is broken, evidence may be ruled inadmissible.

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