Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR354

Forensic Evidence Management Using

Blockchain Technology
Dr. Mohammed Mustafa M1 Kishore T C2
Associate Professor Student
Department of Information Technology, Sri Krishna College Department of Information Technology, Sri Krishna College
of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India

Krithika N3 Loga Bharathi M4

Student Student
Department of Information Technology, Sri Krishna College Department of Information Technology, Sri Krishna College
of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India

Abstract:- In the realm of forensic investigations, the I. INTRODUCTION

management of evidentiary artifacts is a critical aspect
that influences the integrity and admissibility of evidence The integration of blockchain technology into forensic
in legal proceedings. The trustworthiness of evidence can evidence management represents a groundbreaking
be jeopardized by traditional evidence management paradigm shift in the realm of data security. In an era
systems’ frequent problems with data manipulation, characterized by rapid digitization and escalating cyber
unauthorized access, and lack of openness. Blockchain threats, traditional forensic evidence management systems
technology has surfaced as a viable approach to tackle are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and compromise.
these issues by offering a decentralized, transparent, and However, the emergence of blockchain-based forensic
immutable foundation for data management in recent evidence management systems offers a revolutionary
times. This paper explores the application of blockchain solution to address these shortcomings. By harnessing the
technology in forensic evidence management, decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain
highlighting its potential to enhance the security, technology, this innovative approach offers unparalleled
integrity, and traceability of evidentiary artifacts levels of security, confidentiality, and accuracy in managing
throughout their lifecycle. By leveraging blockchain's forensic evidence. The risk of tampering, manipulation, and
inherent features such as cryptographic hashing, data breaches is reduced by blockchain-based solutions,
consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts, forensic which disperse data throughout a network of nodes, in
practitioners can establish a tamper-proof chain of contrast to traditional centralized systems, which are
custody, ensure data integrity, and streamline the vulnerable to single points of failure and illegal access.
evidence management process. Moreover, blockchain- Through the use of cryptographic principles and
based evidence management systems offer benefits such decentralized consensus mechanisms, individuals gain
as enhanced transparency, reduced reliance on unprecedented control over their digital identities,
centralized authorities, and improved collaboration empowering them to safeguard their personalinformation
among stakeholders. The paper discusses various use from malicious actors and unauthorized intrusions. This
cases and implementations of blockchain technology in decentralized approach not only enhances the security and
forensic evidence management, ranging from digital integrity of forensic evidence but also ensures greater
chain of custody records to decentralized forensic transparency and accountability in the management of
laboratories. Through a comprehensive analysis of the digital identities. Moreover, blockchain technology's
potential benefits and challenges, this paper aims to transparent and tamper- resistant features in still trust and
provide insights into the transformative impact of confidence in the digital ecosystem, fostering a more
blockchain technology on forensic evidence management resilient and user-centric approach to forensic evidence
practices, paving the way for more secure, efficient, and management. In essence, the integration of blockchain
trustworthy forensic investigations in the digital age. technology into forensic evidence management heralds a
new era of digital data security. By leveraging the inherent
Keywords:- Blockchain, Forensic Evidence Management strengths of blockchain technology, such as decentralization,
System, Cyber Threats. immutability, and transparency, organizations and
individuals alike can fortify their defences against cyber
threats and safeguard the integrity of forensic evidence in an
increasingly digitized world.

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR354

 Blockchain with the intention of jeopardizing the availability,

Block chain is a revolutionary technology that became confidentiality, or integrity of digital information by people,
well-known with the emergence of cryptocurrencies. It is a organizations, or even nation-states. These threats, which
distributed and decentralized ledger system with broad may range from complex hacking efforts to more typical
applications in a number of sectors. Block chain is phishing scams and malware assaults, take advantage of
essentially a transparent and safe digital ledger that records weaknesses in computer networks, human habits, and
and verifies transactions via a network of linked nodes. computer systems. Cybercriminals' tactics also evolve with
technology , therefore it is critical for people, companies,
Block chain is unique in that each connected block of and governments to continually improve their digital
data is cryptographically protected, preventing fraud and defences with vigilance and proactivity. The dynamic
manipulation. This immutability makes the system unique. character of cyber threats highlights how crucial
Because the technology is decentralized, there is no need for cybersecurity measures are to maintaining the privacy of
middlemen, which promotes participant confidence and sensitive and personal data, the dependability of vital
lowers the possibility of data manipulation. Block chain is infrastructure, and public confidence in our networked
becoming more widely acknowledged for its potential to digital environment.
improve security, efficiency, and transparency in a variety
of industries beyond finance, including as supply chain II. LITERATURE REVIEW
management and the healthcare industry. As a cornerstone
of the decentralized digital future, block chain keeps  Hyperledger Frameworks with a Special Focus on
redefining the ways in which data is exchanged, stored, and Hyperledger Fabric
verified in the rapidly changing digital world. The article authored by Marija S. and colleagues
delves into the expanding realm of the Blockchain market,
 Forensic Evidence Management System highlighting its growing importance across various
A The management of forensic evidence represents a industries amidst evolving business dynamics. Initially, the
critical aspect of modern investigative practices, authors provide a comprehensive introduction to Blockchain
encapsulating the meticulous handling, documentation, and technology, elucidating its decentralized nature and
preservation of evidentiary materials throughout the course cryptographic foundations. Shifting focus, the paper explores
of an investigation. At its core, a forensic evidence projects within the Linux Hyperledger Initiative, notably
management system is tasked with safeguarding the Hyperledger Fabric, a prominent framework within this
integrity and authenticity of evidentiary items, ensuring that ecosystem. Through meticulous analysis, the authors delve
they remain unaltered and admissible in legal proceedings. into Fabric's architecture, organizational implications, and
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the challenges key features like private channels and smart contracts,
associated with forensic evidence management are offering insights into secure transaction mechanisms. They
compounded by the proliferation of digital data and the also detail the flow of transactions within the Fabric
increasing sophistication of cyber threats. As digital network, enhancing understanding of its operational
footprints and online profiles become integral components dynamics and transactional integrity. Bridging theory with
of data, the management of digital forensic evidence takes practice, the paper presents a simulated business network
on added significance, requiring robust systems and scenario, demonstrating the development of a basic
protocols to address the unique complexities of digital application for monetary exchanges using Hyperledger
evidence collection, analysis, and preservation. In an Fabric. This practical illustration underscores Fabric's utility
interconnected world where digital identities are subject to in real-world scenarios. Overall, Marija S. and colleagues'
exploitation and manipulation, forensic evidence work serves as a guide to Blockchain technology, providing
management systems must employ advanced technologies valuable insights for researchers and practitioners navigating
and methodologies to safeguard the integrity and this complex landscape. By demystifying concepts and
confidentiality of evidentiary materials. By leveraging showcasing applications, the paper empowers stakeholders
emerging technologies such as blockchain, forensic to harness Blockchain's transformative potential effectively.
evidence management systems can enhance the security, As Blockchain continues reshaping industries, this research
transparency, and accountability of the evidentiary process. contributes to understanding its role in driving decentralized
Blockchain's decentralized and immutable ledger provides a innovation.
tamper-proof record of forensic evidence, ensuring its
integrity and authenticity from collection to courtroom  A Decentralized Digital Identity Architecture
presentation. Additionally, blockchain technology enables Geoff Goodell and co-authors present a profound
secure and auditable chain of custody processes, enhancing critique of centralized digital identity management,
accountability and traceability in the management of advocating for a decentralized, user-centric approach in their
evidentiary materials. seminal paper. They highlight the failure of traditional
systems to safeguard privacy and autonomy in the digital
 Cyber Threats age, emphasizing the importance of human rights principles.
The prevalence of cyber risks has grown to be a Central to their argument is the concept of self-sovereign
significant problem in our technologically advanced and identity, where individuals have full control over their
linked society, clouding the digital environment. Cyber digital identities. They propose foundational principles for
threats are any number of malevolent actions carried out digital identity systems, including privacy by design and

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR354

user-centricity. The authors explore emerging technologies cases. This flexibility empowers organizations to design
like blockchain and decentralized identifiers, offering bespoke blockchain solutions optimized for their unique
solutions for identity verification and data sharing. business needs, fostering innovation and digital
Additionally, they discuss the societal implications of transformation. Fabric's support for modular consensus
decentralized identity systems, such as addressing identity protocols further enhances its appeal, allowing organizations
theft and digital exclusion. Real-world applications, from to tailor the blockchain network's consensus mechanism to
identity wallets to voting systems, demonstrate the versatility align with their trust models and operational requirements.
of decentralized solutions. In conclusion, Goodell and Moreover, Fabric's compatibility with standard
colleagues envision a future where decentralized identity programming languages eliminates the need for platform-
empowers individuals, protects their rights, and fosters specific smart contract languages, thereby lowering the
inclusivity. Their paper calls on policymakers and barrier to entry for developers and accelerating blockchain
technologists to embrace decentralized identity as a means adoption. Beyond its technical prowess, Fabric embodies an
to create a more equitable digital society. ethos of openness, collaboration, and community-driven
innovation within the Hyperledger ecosystem. Through
 Personal Archive Service System using Blockchain continuous evolution and adaptation, Fabric remains at the
Technology: Case Study, Promising and Challenging forefront of distributed ledger technology, poised to redefine
In this research, Yixuan Zhu et al. have proposed enterprise blockchain and empower organizations to thrive
Blockchain is an ever-expanding collection of records, or in the digital age. Androulaki et al.'s paper serves as a
blocks, connected and safeguarded by encryption. A seminal contribution to the field, illuminating the path
timestamp, transaction data, and a hash pointer serving as a towards a more inclusive, interoperable, and scalable
link to a previous block are normally included in every blockchain ecosystem, where innovation knows no bounds.
block. Blockchains are by their very nature resistant to data
alteration. The blockchain is "an open, distributed ledger  B-CoC: A Blockchain-Based Chain of Custody for
that can record transactions between two parties efficiently Evidences Management in Digital Forensics
and in a verifiable and permanent way." A blockchain is In their groundbreaking paper, Silvia Bonomi and
usually maintained via a peer-to-peer network that follows a colleagues delve into the intricate realm of digital forensics,
common protocol for verifying new blocks in order to emphasizing the paramount importance of effective evidence
function as a distributed ledger. Once recorded, the data in a management—a cornerstone of successful investigations
block cannot be changed backward without changing all and legal proceedings. Central to digital forensics is the
blocks that come after it, which calls for the majority of the meticulous management of evidentiary artifacts,
network to operate together. Digital money, like Bitcoin, is encompassing activities from collection to presentation in
the most straightforward and widely used blockchain court, known as the Chain of Custody (CoC). This process
application. Bitcoins, in contrast to conventional money, are ensures the integrity and admissibility of evidence despite
totally virtual. Coins, either real or digital, do not exist in passing through multiple stakeholders. The CoC process
and of themselves. In transactions when value is transferred requires stringent protocols at each stage to prevent
from sender to receiver, the coins are inferred. Bitcoin users tampering, contamination, or unauthorized access.
own keys that enable them to authenticate transactions Evidentiary integrity, upheld through rigorous
inside the network, releasing the value so they may spend it documentation and tracking mechanisms, underpins the
or give it to another person. Usually, each user's computer reliability of digital evidence in legal proceedings. Multi-
has a digital wallet where such keys are kept. The sole need stakeholder involvement necessitates effective collaboration
to spend bitcoins is to have the key that unlocks the and communication to safeguard the evidential chain. In the
transaction, giving each user complete power. These days, an digital age, managing evidence is further complicated by the
increasing number of businesses and entrepreneurs are dynamic nature of digital data. Bonomi et al. propose a
utilizing blockchain in finance records, medical records, and comprehensive framework for digital evidence management,
other records management activities, like identity integrating advancements like blockchain and cryptographic
management, transaction processing, documenting hashing to enhance security and integrity. Interdisciplinary
provenance, or food traceability, due to its decentralization, collaboration and knowledge sharing are advocated to
trustlessness, collective maintenance, and dependability. promote consistency and reliability in evidentiary practices.
Overall, the paper provides invaluable insights into
 Hyperledger Fabric: A Distributed Operating System for navigating evidence management complexities, ensuring the
Permissioned Blockchains integrity and admissibility of digital evidence in legal
In their seminal paper, Elli Androulaki and colleagues proceedings, and advancing the field of digital forensics.
delve into Fabric, an innovative modular and extensible
open-source system designed for deploying and managing III. EXISTING SYSTEM
permissioned blockchains. Positioned as a flagship project
under the Hyperledger umbrella hosted by the Linux Recognizes the critical role of evidence in forensic
Foundation, Fabric represents a significant leap forward in science, emphasizing its significance in solving cases and
distributed ledger technology. Its modular architecture, a delivering justice by preventing alterations. Highlights the
departure from traditional monolithic blockchain systems, essentiality of the Chain of Custody process, underscoring
enables developers to seamlessly integrate custom that its failure may render evidence inadmissible in court,
consensus protocols and components tailored to specific use leading to potential case dismissal. Advocates for a digital

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR354

forensic evidence management system, citing environmental  Keys

friendliness as a compelling reason for transitioning from In order to ensure cryptographic security, public and
traditional methods. Proposes the use of Hyperledger Fabric, private keys must be generated via the Keys module. These
a consortium blockchain framework, to digitally distribute keys are essential for maintaining the secrecy and
and chronologically record forensic transactions, ensuring authenticity of system communications and transactions.
security and transparency. Aims to develop a framework
based on Hyperledger Fabric concepts and proposes an  Data
algorithm to implement blockchain technology, specifically The purpose of the Data module is to provide users in
tailored for digitalizing forensic evidence management and the block Chain system a digital data. In order to protect
maintaining the Chain of Custody. user privacy, facilitate safe transactions, and create a distinct
and authenticated presence on the block chain, this digital
IV. PROPOSED SYSTEM identity is essential.

The solution under consideration is a complete  Authenticate

Forensic evidence management system that utilizes block A user's private key is stored and managed in the
chain technology and the SHA-256 algorithm to improve Authenticate module. This is an essential component of
data integrity. It includes an easy-to-use Login module for safeguarding their Authenticate access on the block chain.
safe authentication, a User Signup module for establishing By guaranteeing the integrity and secrecy of financial
accounts with necessary personal information, and a Home transactions, this module strengthens the user's digital data’s
module that shows important block chain data. The Keys overall security.
module generates public and private keys, which are
necessary for safe transactions and provide strong
cryptographic security. By creating a digital identity for
users, the Data module improves verifiability and privacy.
Finally, private keys for financial transactions are securely
managed by the Authenticate module. Through the
integration of various components, the system offers a
transparent and decentralized structure that protects
individual identities and guarantees data integrity within an
unchangeable blockchain framework. By reducing the
dangers connected with centralized forensic evidence
management, this strategy provides users with a dependable
and safe option in the constantly changing digital
environment.

 Login
By requiring a username and password, the login
module offers banks and users a safe authentication method.
In order to customize access rights, it differentiates between
normal users and banks based on responsibilities. Fig 1 System Architecture Algorithm Details

 User Sign-Up A text or data file may be signed using the SHA 256
Through the collection of necessary data, including technique, often known as a digest. A text may be signed
first and last name, email address, cell phone number, with a nearly unique 256-bit (32-byte) signature using SHA-
username, and password, user registration makes it easier to 256. A hash is a cryptographic "one-way" characteristic that
create new accounts. The basis for user involvement in the has a set size for all source text sizes; unlike encryption, it
block chain-based security system is laid forth in this cannot be decoded back to the original text. Because of this,
module. it's perfect for comparing "hashed" copies of texts instead of
decrypting them to get the original version.
 Home
The Home module, which shows important details for  Basic Initialization will be done for 8 Items
every block, contains all of the block chain system's
essential features. This contains the hash of the previous  Step 1: Information is a array 8 things in length
block, the hash of the current block, the block number, the where everything is 32 bits.
timestamp, the contents, and the nonce (a cryptographic  Step 2: out is array 8 things in length where everything is
integer). By gaining access to the block chain's structure, 32 bit.
users may verify the accuracy of the data contained within.  Step: 3 Compute all the capacity boxes and store those
qualities. Allude to them by work name

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Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR354

 Step: 4 Store input, right moved by 32 bits, into out. User Signup, Home, Keys, Data , and Authenticate. User-
Now, in the out exhibit, E is an inappropriate worth and friendly input and output interfaces are given priority in the
A is unfilled design, which improves usability and accessibility. The
 Step: 5 Store the capacity boxes. Presently we have to system's objective is to mitigate the dangers associated with
compute out E and out A. note: Supplant the modulo centralized forensic evidence management and promote
orders with a bitwise AND 2^ (32-1) confidence in an increasingly digital environment by
 Step: 6 Store (Input I + CH + ((XT+YT) AND 2^31)) offering a dependable and robust platform for users and
AND 2^31 As Mod1 banks, via methodical testing and deployment. Because of
 Step: 7 Store (Sum1 + Mod1) AND 2^31 as Mod2 the thorough methodology used throughout the development
 Step:8 Store (b + Mod2) AND 2^31 into out E Presently and implementation phases, the system is positioned as a
out E is right and all we need is out A viable and efficient means of handling the ever-evolving
 Step: 9 Store (NA + Mod2) AND 2^31 as Mod3 complexity of Forensic evidence management.
 Step:10 Store (Sum0 + Mod3) AND 2^31 into output.
FUTURE WORK
V. RESULT ANALYSIS
The personal identification security system based on
The suggested approach shows a significant increase, blockchain may be improved in the future by being
innovative and adjusting to new technology. Integrating
obtaining an accuracy rate of 88%, compared to the present
algorithm's 75% accuracy rate. This improvement points to smart contracts and sophisticated consensus techniques
a significant improvement in the suggested algorithm's might improve the security and usefulness of the system
ability to handle and analyze data effectively or carry out its even further. Examining the integration of verified
credentials and decentralized identifiers (DIDs) might
intended function. Numerous variables, including
optimization approaches, algorithmic modification, or the improve the interoperability and scalability of digital
incorporation of more reliable data preparation methods, identities. In addition, the system may benefit from
investigating biometric authentication techniques to offer
may contribute to the suggested algorithm's increased
one more degree of user verification.
accuracy. This improvement in accuracy highlights the
suggested algorithm's ability to provide more dependable
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 Volume 9, Issue 4, April – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24APR354

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