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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?
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
Without chain of custody, evidence could be tampered, making it inadmissible in court. Option B is wrong that investigators are still admissible if procedure is followed, but chain of custody is vital. Option C is wrong that analysis is still valid but legally challenged. Option D is wrong because return to operations is not primary concern.
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
Chain of custody ensures evidence integrity; lack of it can lead to exclusion.
- ✗
The investigation can continue without any impact
Why it's wrong here
Legal admissibility is at risk.
- ✗
The data on the drive is automatically deleted
Why it's wrong here
Data remains, but integrity is questioned.
- ✗
The drive must be returned to the owner immediately
Why it's wrong here
Return is not required; the investigation may be compromised.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.