What determines the procedures followed in working with evidence?

The procedures for working with evidence are fundamentally determined by chain of custody documentation. This documentation is critical in maintaining the integrity and reliability of evidence in any investigation, particularly in cyber forensics and legal contexts. It outlines the chronological handling of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court or disposed of.

Effective chain of custody protocols ensure that evidence is not tampered with, altered, or contaminated at any point throughout its lifecycle. This thorough tracking provides proof of who handled the evidence, what they did with it, and when it was done, thereby establishing the authenticity and reliability of the evidence in legal proceedings.

While employee training sessions, internal policy manuals, and vendor service agreements may contribute to the overall security framework and procedures in an organization, they do not specifically govern the meticulous process of evidence handling in the same way that chain of custody documentation does. These other factors may support the overarching cybersecurity policies but lack the focused, critical function of ensuring the integrity of evidence throughout its handling.