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.
Which TWO of the following are hardware write blockers commonly used in forensic acquisitions?
EnCase
Why wrong: EnCase is forensic software, not a hardware write blocker.
FastBloc
FastBloc is a hardware write blocker by Guidance Software.
dd
Why wrong: dd is a software tool.
Tableau
Tableau produces forensic write blockers.
FTK Imager
Why wrong: FTK Imager is software, though it can use a write blocker.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
FastBloc
FastBloc (Option B) is a hardware write blocker produced by Guidance Software that operates at the physical layer, intercepting ATA/ATAPI commands to prevent any write operations from reaching the suspect drive. It ensures bit-for-bit forensic acquisition without altering the source data, which is essential for maintaining evidentiary integrity.
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.
EnCase
Why it's wrong here
EnCase is forensic software, not a hardware write blocker.
FastBloc
Why this is correct
FastBloc is a hardware write blocker by Guidance Software.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
dd
Why it's wrong here
dd is a software tool.
Tableau
Why this is correct
Tableau produces forensic write blockers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FTK Imager
Why it's wrong here
FTK Imager is software, though it can use a write blocker.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between hardware write blockers (physical devices) and forensic software tools (like EnCase, FTK Imager, or dd), leading candidates to mistakenly select software that can perform acquisitions but does not provide hardware-level write protection.
Detailed technical explanation
Hardware write blockers like FastBloc and Tableau use a bridge chip that sits between the suspect drive and the forensic workstation, filtering SCSI/ATA commands at the bus level. They intercept and block any write command (e.g., WRITE DMA, WRITE SECTOR(S)) while passing read commands (e.g., READ DMA, IDENTIFY DEVICE) transparently, ensuring the drive's state remains unchanged. In practice, this is critical for chain-of-custody and admissibility in court, as software-only solutions can be bypassed by malicious firmware or OS-level writes.
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 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — This question tests Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: FastBloc — FastBloc (Option B) is a hardware write blocker produced by Guidance Software that operates at the physical layer, intercepting ATA/ATAPI commands to prevent any write operations from reaching the suspect drive. It ensures bit-for-bit forensic acquisition without altering the source data, which is essential for maintaining evidentiary integrity.
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.
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 24, 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.
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.