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Digital Evidence Cabinet Based On Blockchain For Evidence Managemen1
Digital Evidence Cabinet Based On Blockchain For Evidence Managemen1
Digital evidence handling and preservation are crucial stages in the digital
forensic process, ensuring the credibility of evidence for legal proceedings.
The chain of custody (CoC) document is utilized to maintain the integrity of
digital evidence throughout the investigation process. However, traditional
paper-based CoC documents may be insufficient for managing digital
evidence effectively. Therefore, new technologies like blockchain are being
explored to enhance the integrity and security of digital evidence
management. This study proposes the Blockchain Digital Evidence Cabinet
(B-DEC) , which combines the Digital Evidence Cabinet (DEC) framework with
blockchain technology to ensure the integrity and security of digital evidence.
Design System:
Smart Contract :
Middleware:
B-DEC architecture
1. User Interaction:
Investigators, lawyers, and officers interact with the B-DEC system through a
2. Middleware:
network. They enforce the rules and logic for interacting with evidence in the
B-DEC system.
translates the action into a request and sends it to the relevant smart
contract.
The smart contract processes the request and interacts with the blockchain
network to update the ledger with the new information, such as adding a new
network. This transaction is broadcast to all the nodes in the network, and if
all transactions and changes made to the evidence within the B-DEC system.
The actual digital evidence files are not stored on the blockchain due to
authorized users can access and modify the evidence stored in the database.
An evidence log is maintained within the B-DEC system to track all activities
This log includes timestamps, user actions, and any changes or updates
The evidence log plays a crucial role in maintaining the chain of custody and
process.
Enhanced Security:
Immutability: Once data enters the blockchain, it's unchangeable and tamper-
proof, preventing manipulation and ensuring evidence integrity.
Decentralization: Data isn't stored in a single location, eliminating the risk of a single
point of failure and enhancing resistance to cyberattacks.
Strong Cryptography: Robust encryption techniques secure data on the network,
further safeguarding evidence from unauthorized access.
Improved Transparency:
Transparency: All actions and modifications related to evidence are clearly visible
and verifiable on the blockchain, fostering trust and accountability among all
stakeholders.
Auditability: The immutable nature of the blockchain allows for comprehensive
audits at any time, verifying evidence provenance and chain of custody with ease.
Streamlined Processes:
Automation: Smart contracts automate routine tasks, such as logging actions,
enforcing access control, and maintaining audit trails, reducing manual work and
streamlining the process.
Reduced Paperwork: B-DEC eliminates the need for paper-based chain of custody
(CoC) documents, simplifying evidence management and saving time.
Increased Efficiency:
Elimination of Intermediaries: B-DEC facilitates direct and secure
communication between authorized parties, removing the need for intermediaries,
potentially reducing delays and costs.
Improved Collaboration: The secure and transparent nature of B-DEC enhances
collaboration between legal professionals, investigators, and other stakeholders,
leading to more efficient investigations and legal proceedings.
Additional Advantages:
Scalability: The distributed ledger architecture of B-DEC can efficiently scale to
accommodate growing volumes of digital evidence.
Reduced Costs: B-DEC has the potential to reduce overall evidence
management costs in the long run through streamlined processes, eliminating
intermediaries, and minimizing physical storage infrastructure needs.