The answer is Tableau, a hardware write blocker that physically intercepts write commands at the SATA or IDE bus level to prevent any data from being written to the original drive during forensic acquisition. This ensures a bit-for-bit copy is made without altering the source evidence, which is critical for maintaining chain of custody and admissibility in court. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of hardware-based versus software-based write blocking—a common trap is confusing a software blocker (which relies on the OS) with a physical blocker like Tableau that operates independently of the imaging tool. Remember that hardware write blockers are transparent to the system and provide a hardware-level guarantee of read-only access, whereas software blockers can be bypassed. A useful memory tip: think of Tableau as a physical “gatekeeper” that locks the write path at the bus, so the drive can only be read, never written to.
CHFI Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of computer forensics fundamentals and process. 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 uses a tool to create a bit-for-bit copy of a hard drive while ensuring the original is not modified. Which of the following is a hardware write blocker that can be used for this purpose?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Tableau
A hardware write blocker physically prevents any write commands from reaching the original drive at the SATA/IDE bus level, ensuring the drive remains unaltered during acquisition. Tableau is a well-known manufacturer of forensic hardware write blockers that operate transparently to the imaging software, making it the correct choice for a hardware-based solution.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
FTK Imager
Why it's wrong here
FTK Imager is a software tool that can create forensic images but does not block writes by itself; it relies on a hardware blocker.
✓
Tableau
Why this is correct
Tableau manufactures hardware write blockers that physically prevent data from being written to the source drive.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
dd
Why it's wrong here
dd is a command-line tool for imaging; it does not inherently block writes.
✗
EnCase
Why it's wrong here
EnCase is forensic software that can acquire images but requires a hardware write blocker to protect the original.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between software tools (FTK Imager, dd, EnCase) and dedicated hardware write blockers (Tableau), trapping candidates who assume any forensic imaging tool inherently provides write protection.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
dd is a command-line tool for imaging; it does not inherently block writes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Hardware write blockers like the Tableau T35es intercept SATA commands at the physical layer, filtering out any ATA commands with write opcodes (e.g., WRITE DMA, WRITE SECTOR(S)) while passing read commands (e.g., READ DMA) through to the drive. In real-world forensic acquisitions, using a hardware blocker is critical when the suspect drive has a failing controller or hidden areas (like HPA or DCO) that software write blockers might not fully protect, as the hardware blocker operates below the OS and driver stack.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CHFI 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — This question tests Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Tableau — A hardware write blocker physically prevents any write commands from reaching the original drive at the SATA/IDE bus level, ensuring the drive remains unaltered during acquisition. Tableau is a well-known manufacturer of forensic hardware write blockers that operate transparently to the imaging software, making it the correct choice for a hardware-based solution.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CHFI exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.