A data breach can be a nightmare. But you need to manage the situation as fast as possible. Preserving any digital evidence is one of the key steps during this period. Not only is this important in investigating the breach, but also in regard to regulatory compliance and possible litigation. Here is how to handle that.

Act fast, but strategically

There is no time to lose during a cyber breach. The longer a system has been running since it was breached, the more likely it is that important data will be overwritten or altered. 

The first step is to contain the breach. Then, identify the affected systems. But make no hasty changes. This might lead to the unintentional destruction of evidence.

Document every step you take. Record activities, durations, and names of those involved. This will give context that can be important in the future. 

Isolate and secure affected systems

Now, you have detected infected systems. Disconnect them from the network to avoid further infection. This does not always imply closing them down at once. In some cases, turning them off may destroy volatile memory that has important information.

Keep a chain of custody when you assume control of a system. This may include:

• Labeling the devices clearly
• Recording the time when the evidence is collected
• Tracking who handles the evidence.

This will help to maintain its integrity. Any discontinuity in this chain may undermine the trustworthiness of your results.

Apply reliable tools and techniques

Use validated forensic tools and techniques to retrieve digital evidence. Evidence can be destroyed due to:

• Improper copying
• Manipulation of files
• Unverified software. 

If possible, make bit-for-bit copies of drives or snapshots of affected systems. This is better than working on live data.

Backups are also important. You can keep safe copies of:

• Logs
• Emails
• Other pertinent files.

This will prevent accidental destruction or manipulation. Although a section of the system may be compromised, having multiple layers of evidence may be essential to the investigation.

Collaborate with experts

Engaging an expert witness in digital forensic work is one of the best methods to take care of digital evidence. These experts understand how to maintain evidence in a format that can be allowed in court, and it can withstand cross-examination by opposing parties. They can also:

• Lead your internal team
• Ensure that procedures are legal 
• Record all the steps in a manner that will justify future litigation.

Expert witness digital forensics professionals also convert technical results into a form that is comprehensible to lawyers, auditors, or regulators. This may be the difference between evidence that can be acted upon and one that is questioned or dismissed by the court.

Keep good records

Besides technical preservation, keep a record of what you are doing. You should record the following:

• The systems that were compromised 
• The chronology of the events 
• The procedures applied in gathering evidence. 

Include screenshots, logs, and other supporting information. Such a degree of documentation is valuable for internal comprehension and the submission of findings to regulators or courts.

The takeaway

Managing digital evidence must be fast and cautious. These actions will establish a basis of accountability, transparency, and wise decision-making.