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Chain of Custody for Digital Evidence
Boston-based, serving clients nationwide by appointment.
If you're handling evidence for a legal or insurance matter, chain of custody is the written record that shows what was received, when, from whom, and how it was handled—so handling and transfer history can be reconstructed later.
Data365 Evidence documents chain of custody for legal and insurance matters and performs forensic data acquisition when authorized in writing. Written intake records source details, access authority, and transfer requirements.
Chain-of-Custody Documentation
- Item identification: Device, media, or account-export identifiers, including serial numbers or other available identifying information.
- Authorization: Authority for access, transfer, or handling, together with scope and handling constraints.
- Transfer documentation: Transfer parties, dates, times, receipt details, and condition notes.
- Safeguarding: Storage and access controls protect integrity and restrict unauthorized access.
- Time reference: Dates and times recorded using a consistent time standard.
- Source integrity: Handling measures minimize unnecessary modification.
- Verification: Cryptographic hash values and hash comparisons for images or exports.
- Recordkeeping: Written records for counsel review and reconstruction of handling history.
Custody Record Overview
- Written intake: Matter context, deadlines, objectives, and authority.
- Receipt record: Item identifiers, condition, and handling constraints at receipt.
- Acquisition and preservation: Authorized handling and methods used.
- Verification references: Cryptographic hash values and related integrity checks where applicable.
- Completion records: Deliverables, scope notes, and handling records for counsel or claims review.
See: Sample Preservation Records (including chain-of-custody and hash-record examples).
Information to Provide at Intake
- Available materials: Device type, media type, account, or existing exports.
- Source context: Origin and how it was obtained.
- Time constraints: Court dates, insurer deadlines, and other timing requirements.
- Matter purpose: High-level description of why preservation is needed.
- Known source conditions: Encryption, physical damage, repair history, access issues, or prior handling.
If details are uncertain, a short email describing the matter and available sources is sufficient to begin.
Boston-Based Operations
Data365 Evidence is Boston-based and serves clients nationwide by appointment. Physical evidence handling is scheduled when required.
Service Boundaries
- Legal advice: Counsel remains responsible for legal standards, admissibility, and litigation strategy.
- Authorized access: Data365 handles only sources and access authorized for the matter.
- Documentation role: Records document handling, transfer, and preservation activity within the confirmed scope.
Start Intake
Start intake through the intake form or by email. Provide a brief description of the matter, available sources, and any timing constraints. Data365 requests additional information before confirming scope if the initial details are incomplete.
FAQ
What is chain of custody in digital evidence?
Chain of custody documents who had custody of evidence, when transfers occurred, and how items were handled.
Does chain of custody prove authenticity?
No. Chain-of-custody records document handling events and custody transfers. Authenticity requires separate review of source, context, and integrity issues.
What information is recorded in a chain-of-custody record?
Typical entries include item identifiers, dates and times, transfer parties, condition notes, and documented custody events.
Typical Records
- Chain-of-Custody Record (PDF)
- Acquisition Log and Handling Notes
- Hash Verification Record (when used)
- Device and Source Information Record (when used)
- Delivery and Verification Records
Data365 prepares records during handling without legal analysis, content interpretation, or evidentiary conclusions.