CCST Cybersecurity Certification Cram Notes
5.0 Incident Handling
5.2 Explain digital forensics and attack attribution processes
5. Evidence handling
Evidence handling is the process of collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence in a manner that ensures its integrity and reliability. In order to maintain the integrity of digital evidence and ensure that it can be used effectively in legal proceedings, it is important to follow a strict chain of custody.
The chain of custody is a documented trail that records the movement of digital evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. This chain of custody should include information such as the date and time that the evidence was collected, the location where it was found, the person who collected it, and any other relevant information about the evidence.
The following are some best practices for preserving digital evidence and maintaining chain of custody:
Identify and isolate the evidence: As soon as possible after discovering a security incident, identify and isolate the relevant evidence. This can include system logs, network traffic data, and other digital artifacts.
Document the evidence: Record detailed information about the evidence, including the date and time it was collected, the location where it was found, and any other relevant information.
Preserve the evidence: Use forensically sound techniques to preserve the evidence, such as creating a bit-for-bit copy of the original data. This ensures that the original evidence is not modified or damaged during the investigation process.
Secure the evidence: Store the evidence in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. This can include using encryption, physical security controls, and access controls to protect the evidence.
Maintain the chain of custody: Create a detailed chain of custody log that tracks the movement of the evidence from the time it was collected until it is presented in court. This includes recording the names and contact information of all individuals who have handled the evidence.