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    Flow-alerta.cab

    Chain of Custody

    Application & enablementChain of evidenceCustodial chain
    Editorially reviewed on: 1 source
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    The short answer · 19 words

    In short

    Chronological documentation of who has taken over, processed, transferred, examined or stored an object of evidence or data when.

    Flow-alerta.cab (2026): Chain of Custody. https://flow-alerta.cab/en/glossar/chain-of-custody. Editorially reviewed on: 09 October 2026.

    How much detail would you like?

    Practical

    Relevant for digital forensics, security incidents, sensitive training data, test protocols and all processes in which origin and unchanged delivery must be verifiable.

    Example scenario: After a security incident, a log export is hashed, backed up, and each transfer to analytics personnel is documented with time and purpose.

    For critical data use unique IDs, hash values, timestamps, roles and handover protocols; separate originals and working copies.

    At a glance

    Core
    A Chain of Custody documents the life cycle of a piece of evidence or digital artifact from capture to archiving or return. It records transfers, controllers, dates and purposes and is intended to support integrity and traceability. It is particularly well known from forensics and regulated testing processes.
    Use
    Relevant for digital forensics, security incidents, sensitive training data, test protocols and all processes in which origin and unchanged delivery must be verifiable.
    Example
    Example scenario: After a security incident, a log export is hashed, backed up, and each transfer to analytics personnel is documented with time and purpose.
    Limits
    Copy files without hash or identification; do not document transfers; mix original and working copy; do not make subsequent changes to the protocol traceable.

    In context

    Audit Logging

    Traceable recording of security-, access- or audit-relevant actions in a system.

    Questions about this term

    Is Chain of Custody only for physical evidence?

    No, even digital artifacts can be documented in this way.

    Does it automatically prove the truth of the content?

    No.

    What does it primarily safeguard?

    traceability of possessions, handling and transfers.

    All details and background

    A Chain of Custody documents the life cycle of a piece of evidence or digital artifact from capture to archiving or return. It records transfers, controllers, dates and purposes and is intended to support integrity and traceability. It is particularly well known from forensics and regulated testing processes.

    ELI5 – Explained simply

    Like a seamless handover protocol: every step must be traceable so that it remains clear who worked with the material when.

    Why it matters in practice

    Relevant for digital forensics, security incidents, sensitive training data, test protocols and all processes in which origin and unchanged delivery must be verifiable.

    Example

    Example scenario: After a security incident, a log export is hashed, backed up, and each transfer to analytics personnel is documented with time and purpose.

    Pitfalls and limits

    • Copy files without hash or identification; do not document transfers; mix original and working copy; do not make subsequent changes to the protocol traceable.

    Origin & history

    Chain of Custody is an established term from forensics and evidence management and has been transferred to digital evidence.

    Use in mid-sized companies

    • For critical data use unique IDs, hash values, timestamps, roles and handover protocols; separate originals and working copies.

    Related terms

    Matching Flow-alerta service

    AI assistants & automationAI assistants & automation: test a suitable process with clear rights and human test points.

    Matching tool / use case

    View use casesUse Case: documented backup and sharing of digital logs or model artifacts during an investigation.

    Sources

    Quellenprüfung: 09.10.2026. Definition und dokumentierte Einordnung abgeglichen; Beispiele beschreiben mögliche Anwendungen.

    Editorially reviewed on:

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