hardMultiple Choice
CAS-004 Practice Question: During a forensic investigation, the examiner…
During a forensic investigation, the examiner discovers that the chain of custody documentation was not properly maintained for a critical hard drive. What is the most likely consequence?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is assuming that a documentation error only affects administrative processes, when in fact it can render critical evidence inadmissible, undermining the entire legal case.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The evidence may be ruled inadmissible in legal proceedings
Proper chain of custody documentation is essential for evidence to be admissible in legal proceedings. If the chain of custody is not maintained, the integrity of the evidence is questioned, and it may be ruled inadmissible. This is because the court cannot verify that the evidence was not tampered with or altered from the time it was collected to its presentation in court. Therefore, the most likely consequence is that the evidence will be excluded.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The evidence may be ruled inadmissible in legal proceedings
Why this is correct
Broken chain of custody undermines the evidence's authenticity and integrity, so opposing counsel can challenge its admissibility. Courts require documented, unbroken control from seizure to presentation; gaps create reasonable doubt about tampering. This satisfies the stem's legal-proceedings consequence, as the hard drive's evidentiary value is likely rejected.
- ✗
The investigation can continue without any impact
Why it's wrong here
Broken chain of custody undermines the drive's admissibility as evidence, so the investigation cannot proceed unaffected; the opposing party can challenge authenticity and the evidence may be excluded. It is tempting because a drive can still be technically examined, which is true when custody records remain intact and defensible.
- ✗
The data on the drive is automatically deleted
Why it's wrong here
A documentation gap does not trigger deletion; the data persists on the drive and only its admissibility is contested. It is tempting because evidence can be destroyed under court order or retention expiry, which would apply when a lawful disposal instruction or policy deadline exists rather than a custody error.
- ✗
The drive must be returned to the owner immediately
Why it's wrong here
Returning the drive to its owner is not an automatic remedy; custody gaps affect evidentiary weight, not ownership, and the drive typically remains held as evidence pending court direction. It is tempting because lawful owners do retain property rights, which would govern when no investigation or legal hold applies.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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