Quick Answer
The answer is to use a write blocker. This is correct because forensic acquisition requires that the original evidence remains unaltered; a write blocker physically or logically prevents any write commands from reaching the hard drive, ensuring the data’s integrity. Without it, the operating system or the dd command itself could inadvertently modify metadata or timestamps, breaking the chain of custody and making the evidence inadmissible in court. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of evidence handling procedures under the “Digital Forensics and Incident Response” domain. A common trap is assuming dd alone guarantees read-only access—it does not; dd is just a bit-for-bit copying tool. Remember: dd copies, but a write blocker protects. For a quick memory tip, think “Write blocker, no tinker.”
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a forensic investigation, an analyst acquires a hard drive image using dd. What must be done to ensure the evidence is admissible in court?
Encrypt the image
Why wrong: Encryption can hinder analysis and is not required for admissibility.
Use a write blocker
Write blockers prevent modification of the original evidence.
Compress the image
Why wrong: Compression may modify data bits and break integrity.
Store the image in a shared folder
Why wrong: Shared folders lack access controls and alter chain of custody.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use a write blocker
Using a write blocker ensures that the hard drive is not modified during acquisition, preserving the original data's integrity. This is critical for maintaining the chain of custody and demonstrating that the evidence has not been tampered with, which is a fundamental requirement for admissibility in court. The dd command itself does not prevent writes; a hardware or software write blocker must be used to guarantee read-only access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Encrypt the image
Why it's wrong here
Encryption can hinder analysis and is not required for admissibility.
Use a write blocker
Why this is correct
Write blockers prevent modification of the original evidence.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Compress the image
Why it's wrong here
Compression may modify data bits and break integrity.
Store the image in a shared folder
Why it's wrong here
Shared folders lack access controls and alter chain of custody.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between integrity preservation (write blocker) and other security goals like confidentiality (encryption) or storage efficiency (compression), leading candidates to confuse admissibility requirements with general best practices.
Detailed technical explanation
A write blocker operates at the hardware level (e.g., Tableau or WiebeTech devices) by intercepting ATA/SCSI commands and blocking any write commands (e.g., WRITE DMA, WRITE SECTOR) while allowing read commands (e.g., READ DMA, READ SECTOR). In forensic practice, even a single bit change can invalidate hash-based integrity verification (e.g., MD5 or SHA-256), so write blockers are mandatory for court-admissible acquisitions under standards like NIST SP 800-86 or the ACPO principles.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use a write blocker — Using a write blocker ensures that the hard drive is not modified during acquisition, preserving the original data's integrity. This is critical for maintaining the chain of custody and demonstrating that the evidence has not been tampered with, which is a fundamental requirement for admissibility in court. The dd command itself does not prevent writes; a hardware or software write blocker must be used to guarantee read-only access.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 200-201 exam.
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