iSACA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certification Practice Exam

Maintaining the correct chain of custody is essential for preserving digital evidence during investigations because it establishes a documented, chronological record of who collected, handled, or interacted with the evidence. This process is critical for ensuring that the evidence remains admissible in court. A properly maintained chain of custody prevents tampering, alteration, or contamination of the digital evidence, which could compromise its integrity and authenticity. Proper documentation includes details about the evidence's location, the handling procedures, and the individuals involved with it at each step. In contrast, implementing robust firewalls primarily focuses on preventing unauthorized access to systems, while conducting regular employee training pertains more to general security awareness and risk mitigation. Using updated software applications helps ensure systems are protected from vulnerabilities, but does not directly influence how evidence is handled once it is collected. Each of these options plays a role in an overarching cybersecurity strategy, yet none holds the same weight as the chain of custody when it comes to the legal and procedural aspects of handling digital evidence.