Evidence Vault

Abstract

Ensuring the integrity of evidence is paramount within the realm of digital forensics. The preservation of evidence gathered at a crime scene is essential for concluding investigations and delivering justice to those involved. Hence, it is imperative to safeguard this evidence from any form of tampering. The process that upholds the reliability of evidence is known as the "chain of custody." Failure to maintain the chain of custody can render the evidence inadmissible in court, potentially resulting in the dismissal of the case. To address these challenges and promote an eco-friendly approach, there is a need to modernize the forensic evidence protection system through digitalization. Blockchain technology offers a promising solution in this regard. Blockchains are decentralized digital ledgers that chronologically record transactions through cryptographic signatures. These transactions are organized into blocks and are accessible to all participants within the blockchain network. In conjunction with this, the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) serves as a network file system that complements the blockchain. The current research aims to develop a system that leverages blockchain technology to digitize the forensic evidence protection system while preserving the chain of custody. This approach is rooted in the principles of blockchain and the utilization of IPFS. Keywords: Evidence, Blockchain Technology, Digital Forensics, Chain of Custody, IPFS, Cryptography.