Two decades ago, the utilization of digital evidence was limited, but now it is part of 90% of investigations. So, it goes without saying that data volumes are sky-high; therefore, managing it all without error is a complex process. In comes a Digital Evidence Management System to the rescue!
Simply put, Digital Evidence Management Systems are dedicated dashboards to securely store and share evidence with those authorized.
With technological advancements pacing by the minute, investigators must sift through several pieces of evidence, including videos, audio, emails, text, etc.
According to National Institute of Justice (NIJ), digital evidence refers to:
.webp?width=500&height=300&name=featureimage%20(2).webp)
So, robust DEMs are required that lead to quick discovery of evidence and ensure all collected data is authentic.
Remember, evidence is discarded if tampered with, so it should always remain in its purest form. To guarantee this, Digital Evidence Management Systems feature the capability to add Metadata and provide an audit trail.
In this blog, we'll discuss how audit trails and metadata help with Evidence handling and control, so read on!
And if you want a handson experience, jump right to our 7-day free trial (no credit card required) and test it out.
What is Metadata?
Metadata can be defined as structured information that provides valuable context and attributes about data or digital evidence.
It tells the story of a digital file – how it was created, when it was last modified, who made it, what type of file it is, and more.
In the context of digital evidence, it gives details about digital files, such as evidence upload date and time, file size, changes, etc.
What are the Types of Metadata you should know about?
There are at least three types of Metadata consumers should know about:
1. Technical Metadata: This type of Metadata encompasses information about the technical aspects of a digital file. It includes file size, format, resolution, compression, and encryption methods. For example, it can reveal if a photo was compressed or a document was encrypted. Technical Metadata helps us understand how a file has changed over time.
2. Descriptive Metadata: Descriptive Metadata focuses on providing contextual information about digital evidence. It typically includes information about the data's content, authorship, location, and purpose. Who wrote the document? Where was that photo taken? Descriptive Metadata helps us understand what the evidence is all about.
3. Administrative Metadata: Administrative Metadata involves data pertaining to managing digital evidence. It includes information on the chain of custody, access logs, and any legal or administrative actions taken concerning the evidence. This kind of Metadata is crucial for keeping things in order and ensuring accountability.
Why is Metadata crucial in Digital Evidence Management?
Now, why is Metadata so crucial in digital evidence management? It serves as a key component in establishing the chain of custody, which is vital for legal admissibility.
By tracking when and how digital evidence was collected, who had access to it, and any alterations made, Metadata ensures the credibility and reliability of the evidence in a court of law.
Moreover, Metadata helps investigators reconstruct the timeline of events, determine the source of digital evidence, and evaluate its authenticity.
Any discrepancies or anomalies in Metadata can raise doubts about the credibility of the evidence, emphasizing the necessity of accurate and consistent metadata management.
What are Audit Trails in Digital Evidence Management Systems?
An audit trail, in the context of digital evidence management, serves as a comprehensive and systematic record of all activities associated with the handling of digital evidence.
Moreover, an audit trail provides transparency, accountability, and security. With it, we keep a close watch on every move to ensure nothing goes unnoticed.
What does an Audit Trail consist of in Digital Evidence Management Systems?
Audit trails highlight the following areas:
- User Activity Logs: It records every instance, showing who accessed the evidence at what time and what they did. This means we can spot any unusual or suspicious activity right away.
- Timestamps and Event Details: Timestamps pinpoint the exact moment an action occurred. Event details provide context, explaining what happened at each step. Together, they create a clear, easy-to-follow timeline.
- Reports to Analyze: Thanks to an audit trail, chain of custody reports can be generated and analyzed. Plus, they have to be handed in court to prove that the particular piece of evidence is not tapered.
Do Metadata and Audit Trails work together?
To put the symbiotic relationship between metadata and audit trails into perspective, here are two examples:
1. Email Investigation: In a corporate misconduct case, Metadata can reveal the origin, timestamps, and subject matter of suspect emails. Audit trails, in turn, document the actions of the investigators who reviewed these emails. Together, they provide a comprehensive account of the investigation process, from evidence collection to analysis.
2. Document Tampering: Metadata can demonstrate when a file was last modified if there are allegations of document tampering in a legal case. The audit trail will record who accessed and altered the file. This combination of metadata and audit trails helps establish whether or not tampering occurred.
Why Choose VIDIZMO Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)?
VIDIZMO Digital Evidence Management System is a purpose-built software specifically designed to cater to the needs of the many.
It generates automatic metatags with necessary details that greatly help in organization and preserving evidence integrity. Plus, users have the option to put custom metatags.
Besides that, our Digital Evidence Management System provides detailed audit logs/chain of custody reports to ensure digital evidence admissibility in court.
Coupled with tamper detection and encryption, Metadata and audit trails provide fool-proof digital evidence security.
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a message in the comment section below or reach out to us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is metadata evidence?
Metadata evidence, in digital evidence management, refers to the information and data that accompanies digital files and provides context and details about those files. This Metadata can include timestamps, file properties, user interactions, and more. It's like a digital footprint that records when a file was created, modified, accessed, and by whom.
Why is Metadata important in digital evidence?
Metadata is essential in digital evidence for several reasons. It serves as a digital witness, providing a chronological account of the journey of an evidence file. This information is invaluable for establishing the authenticity and integrity of digital evidence. Metadata helps verify that evidence hasn't been tampered with, enabling transparency and accountability in investigations. In court, it's often the Metadata that validates the credibility of digital evidence.
What is the chain of custody in digital evidence?
The chain of custody in digital evidence is a documented and chronological record of digital evidence's custody, control, transfer, and handling throughout its lifecycle. It's akin to a paper trail that records who had control of the evidence when they had it, and what they did with it. The chain of custody is essential for maintaining the integrity of evidence, ensuring it hasn't been altered or tampered with. It's a crucial component of the legal process to establish the credibility and admissibility of digital evidence in court.
How can we ensure the preservation of digital evidence?
To ensure the preservation of digital evidence, it's essential to follow best practices:
- Use a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS): A DEMS like VIDIZMO can automate the capture of Metadata, maintain audit trails, and secure evidence.
- Document the Chain of Custody: Keep a meticulous record of who has handled the evidence, what they did with it, and when. Use technology to automate this process.
- Employ Secure Storage: Store digital evidence in secure, tamper-evident environments, both on-site and in the cloud, to prevent unauthorized access or changes.
- Regular Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy to prevent data loss or corruption.
- Data Verification: Use cryptographic techniques to verify the integrity of evidence and detect tampering.
