there is lack of standardization, human errors can also render risks of loss or inaccessibility of data,
similarly there will be legal and procedural challenges supplemented by increased costs of
implementation. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a proper chain of custody with adequate safeguards
to protect privacy of individual data and ensuring credibility of evidences.
2. GUIDELINE FOR HANDLING DIGITAL EVIDENCE:
INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
With the development of information technology, various standards have developed in international
platform for identification, collection, acquisition and preservation of digital evidence. Notably, the
ISO/IEC 27037:20127 which provides guidance to individuals with respect to common situations
encountered throughout the digital evidence handling process and assists organization in their
disciplinary procedures and in facilitating the exchange of potential digital evidence between
jurisdictions; the ISO/IEC 270428 Guidelines for analysing digital evidence; INTERPOL's
Operational guidelines on digital forensic practices; Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3)
Frameworks and Toolkits for handling digital evidence; UNODC's Cybercrime Repository which
contains resources and manuals for handling electronic evidence in criminal investigations; Budapest
Convention on Cybercrime9 which provides provisions particularly in cross-border investigations and
ensuring preservation and authenticity of digital evidence; the International Association of Computer
Investigative Specialists (IACIS) also has put forward certifications and best practices for digital
forensics professionals. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) guidelines for digital
evidence also outlines best practices for proper handling, collecting, preservation, and analysis of
electronic data in criminal investigations. It emphasizes maintaining the integrity of digital evidence,
ensuring it is not altered during acquisition or examination. The guidelines advocate for proper
documentation of all actions taken, adherence to legal protocols, and secure storage to prevent
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27, Information Technology—Security Techniques—Guidelines for Identification, Collection, Acquisition, and
Preservation of Digital Evidence, ISO (2012), available at, https://webstore.ansi.org/previewpages/INCITS/preview_INCITS+ISO+IEC+27037+2012+(R2019).pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqREc1Pliql6CQCOGXgN4J
0S3mPjdSRt9Ib_XYJjPLL1Yf8zWG_
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ISO/IEC 27042: ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27, Information Technology—Security Techniques—Guidelines for the Analysis and
Interpretation of Digital Evidence, ISO (Year varies)
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9
Council of Europe, Convention on Cybercrime (ETS No. 185), opened for signature Nov. 23, 2001
8