- A
Compute the SHA-256 hash of the image and compare it to the original drive's hash
SHA-256 is a strong hash function and is recommended for forensic integrity verification.
- B
Compute the MD5 hash of the image and compare it to the original drive's MD5 hash
MD5 is a common hash function for integrity verification, though not collision-resistant; it is widely used in forensics.
- C
Verify the cyclical redundancy check (CRC-32) of the image file
Why wrong: CRC-32 is an error-detecting code, not a cryptographic hash; it is not suitable for forensic integrity verification due to high collision probability.
- D
Use the 'verify' function within FTK Imager which automatically computes and compares hashes
FTK Imager includes a built-in verification feature that computes and compares hashes to ensure image integrity.
- E
Check the file size of the image matches the original drive's capacity
Why wrong: File size alone is insufficient because two different data sets can have the same size; hashing is required for content verification.
Quick Answer
The answer is to use the 'verify' function within FTK Imager, which automatically computes and compares hashes, alongside independently generating and comparing SHA-256 or MD5 hashes of both the original drive and the acquired image. This works because cryptographic hash functions like SHA-256 produce a unique, fixed-size digest; if even a single bit differs between the original and the image, the resulting hash values will be completely different, confirming bit-for-bit integrity with extremely high collision resistance. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of hash verification as a core forensic principle, often appearing in the "Forensic Imaging" domain where examiners must distinguish between validation (ensuring the tool works) and verification (ensuring the image matches the source). A common trap is confusing the tool’s built-in validation with manual hash comparison—remember that FTK Imager’s verify function is a convenience feature, but independent hash computation is the gold standard for court-admissible evidence. Memory tip: "Verify with the tool, but prove with the hash."
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.
A forensic examiner has acquired a disk image using FTK Imager and needs to ensure the image is an exact duplicate of the original drive. Which THREE of the following methods can be used to verify integrity? (Select THREE)
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
Compute the SHA-256 hash of the image and compare it to the original drive's hash
Option A is correct because SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that produces a unique 256-bit digest. By computing the SHA-256 hash of the acquired image and comparing it to the hash computed from the original drive, the examiner can verify bit-for-bit integrity with extremely high collision resistance, ensuring the image is an exact duplicate.
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.
- ✓
Compute the SHA-256 hash of the image and compare it to the original drive's hash
Why this is correct
SHA-256 is a strong hash function and is recommended for forensic integrity verification.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Compute the MD5 hash of the image and compare it to the original drive's MD5 hash
Why this is correct
MD5 is a common hash function for integrity verification, though not collision-resistant; it is widely used in forensics.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Verify the cyclical redundancy check (CRC-32) of the image file
Why it's wrong here
CRC-32 is an error-detecting code, not a cryptographic hash; it is not suitable for forensic integrity verification due to high collision probability.
- ✓
Use the 'verify' function within FTK Imager which automatically computes and compares hashes
Why this is correct
FTK Imager includes a built-in verification feature that computes and compares hashes to ensure image integrity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Check the file size of the image matches the original drive's capacity
Why it's wrong here
File size alone is insufficient because two different data sets can have the same size; hashing is required for content verification.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the distinction between error-detection codes (CRC-32) and cryptographic hash functions (SHA-256, MD5), leading candidates to mistakenly select CRC-32 as a valid integrity verification method for forensic images.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Hash functions like SHA-256 and MD5 are one-way functions that map arbitrary-sized data to fixed-size digests; in forensic imaging, the hash is computed before and after acquisition, and any single bit change in the image will produce a completely different hash (avalanche effect). FTK Imager's built-in 'verify' function automatically computes both MD5 and SHA-1 hashes during acquisition and compares them to the source, streamlining the verification process. Real-world scenarios often involve large drives where re-hashing the original is impractical, so examiners rely on the hash values recorded at acquisition time.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
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: Compute the SHA-256 hash of the image and compare it to the original drive's hash — Option A is correct because SHA-256 is a cryptographic hash function that produces a unique 256-bit digest. By computing the SHA-256 hash of the acquired image and comparing it to the hash computed from the original drive, the examiner can verify bit-for-bit integrity with extremely high collision resistance, ensuring the image is an exact duplicate.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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