What Is Chain of Custody?

Chain of custody is the documented record of how evidence was collected, identified, transferred, stored, examined, and protected from the moment it was acquired. Certification exams may ask why investigators record who handled an item, when possession changed, where it was stored, and what actions were performed. This documentation helps demonstrate that evidence presented during legal, disciplinary, or administrative proceedings is the same evidence originally collected and was not improperly altered. Investigators should assign unique identifiers, record dates and times, use tamper-evident packaging when appropriate, restrict access, calculate hashes for digital evidence, and document every transfer. Missing signatures, unexplained gaps, or improper storage can weaken confidence in the evidence even when the technical findings appear accurate. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with. And dont forget Cyberauthor.me for the companion study guide and flash cards!