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 types of write blockers used in forensic imaging? (Select two.)
Encryption write blocker
Why wrong: Encryption is not a type of write blocker.
Network write blocker
Why wrong: Network write blocker is not a standard term.
Hash write blocker
Why wrong: Hash is used for integrity, not write blocking.
Hardware write blocker
Hardware write blockers are physical devices.
Software write blocker
Software write blockers are programs that intercept write commands.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Hardware write blocker
Hardware write blockers (Option D) are physical devices that sit between the suspect drive and the forensic workstation, intercepting and blocking any write commands at the SATA/IDE/USB bus level. They ensure that no data is altered on the source drive during imaging by electrically or mechanically preventing write signals from reaching the drive.
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.
Encryption write blocker
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is not a type of write blocker.
Network write blocker
Why it's wrong here
Network write blocker is not a standard term.
Hash write blocker
Why it's wrong here
Hash is used for integrity, not write blocking.
Hardware write blocker
Why this is correct
Hardware write blockers are physical devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Software write blocker
Why this is correct
Software write blockers are programs that intercept write commands.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between integrity verification (hashing) and write prevention, leading candidates to mistakenly select 'Hash write blocker' as a valid type.
Detailed technical explanation
Hardware write blockers typically use a bridge chip (e.g., from JMicron or Initio) that is programmed to reject all ATA/ATAPI commands with write opcodes (e.g., WRITE DMA, WRITE SECTOR(S)) while passing read commands. Software write blockers operate at the operating system level by hooking into the storage driver stack (e.g., via a filter driver in Windows or a kernel module in Linux) to intercept and deny write IRPs. A real-world scenario: when imaging a failing drive, a hardware blocker is preferred because it cannot be bypassed by a compromised OS, whereas a software blocker might fail if the OS itself is corrupted.
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
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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: Hardware write blocker — Hardware write blockers (Option D) are physical devices that sit between the suspect drive and the forensic workstation, intercepting and blocking any write commands at the SATA/IDE/USB bus level. They ensure that no data is altered on the source drive during imaging by electrically or mechanically preventing write signals from reaching the drive.
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 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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