Blockchain-based Cyber Forensics Chain of Custody Management with Hyperledger Fabric

The current solution in cyber forensics for storing and sharing case records is done through mail because the shortage of trustable and reliable forensic data sharing mechanism. Blockchain has the potential to improve chain of custody by putting the case at the center of the system and enhancing case data protection and interoperability. Blockchain is a decentralized framework providing a cryptographic guarantee of data integrity, security, privacy, and smart contracts for data access. This paper introduces various concepts that are used in Hyperledger Fabric, proposes a permissioned blockchain system solution for storing and sharing case records using the Hyperledger fabric framework. Police investigators have full control of their case information and authorize the forensic analysts that can view case details by using grant and revoke access mechanisms and also presents the challenges faced, and issues to resolve, before the successful adoption of Hyperledger Fabric in chain of custody management system.