• BibiJainab Pathan
• Najama Nadaf
• Mr Sachin Desai

Digital forensics entails the systematic application of scientific methods to preserve, collect, validate, identify, analyze, interpret, document, and present digital evidence. Effective management of digital evidence, crucial for linking individuals to criminal activities, faces significant challenges such as tampering risks and documentation errors during its transfer from initial investigators to judicial authorities. Traditional Chain of Custody (CoC) methods, typically involving paper or electronic forms, are insufficient to address these challenges due to their vulnerability to tampering and inconsistencies. This paper proposes a Blockchain-based Chain of Custody (B-CoC) framework to enhance the security, transparency, and integrity of digital evidence management. Leveraging the inherent properties of blockchain technology, such as immutability, distributed ledger, and consensus mechanisms, the B-CoC framework provides a robust solution for maintaining the CoC in digital forensics. The architecture is constructed upon a private, permissioned blockchain leveraging Ethereum and a Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism, thereby restricting participation to authorized nodes. Smart contracts automate critical operations, including evidence entry creation, ownership transfer, and information retrieval, enhancing the security and traceability of digital evidence. This system logs all interactions immutably, providing a clear and tamper-proof chain of custody. Key benefits of the B-CoC framework include increased security, transparency, and accountability in digital evidence management, potentially reducing costs and improving efficiency. In conclusion, the B-CoC framework represents a significant advancement in managing digital evidence, ensuring its integrity and reliability, and thereby strengthening trust in legal proceedings and forensic investigations

Digital Forensics, Chain of Custody(COC), Blockchain, Blockchain based Chain of Custody(B-COC), Evidence Management, Ethereum, Private Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Proof of Authority

"Blockchain-Enhanced Digital Forensics:Strengthening the Chain of Custody", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no.h348-h356, June-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406739.pdf

"Blockchain-Enhanced Digital Forensics:Strengthening the Chain of Custody", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no. pph348-h356, June-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406739.pdf