Which of the following could be a consequence of not maintaining the chain of custody?

Maintaining the chain of custody is crucial in legal scenarios, especially in cybersecurity and data handling. If the chain of custody is not preserved, it can lead to a delay in legal proceedings. This delay can occur because any break in the chain may require additional investigation to reaffirm the integrity of the evidence, potentially leading to challenges related to admissibility in court.

When evidence is compromised or its handling is questioned, parties may need to reassess their legal strategy or gather more information, causing further delays. Maintaining a clear and documented chain of custody ensures that all evidence can be accounted for, which is fundamental to the legal process. If this is not done properly, it can disrupt the timing and flow of legal activities, leading to extended timelines for cases.