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ISC2 CC Practice Question: During a forensic investigation, it is crucial to…
During a forensic investigation, it is crucial to preserve the original evidence. What is the first step the investigator should take when acquiring a hard drive?
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
✓
Create a forensic image using a write blocker
Creating a bit-for-bit forensic image using a write blocker preserves the original evidence. Option D (calculate the hash) is done after imaging to verify integrity. Option A (booting the drive) would modify data and compromise the evidence. Option B (turning off the computer and removing the hard drive) may be necessary but is not the first step in acquisition; the first step is to create a forensic image with a write blocker.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Boot the drive to check for operating system errors
Why it's wrong here
Booting modifies the drive, compromising evidence.
- ✗
Turn off the computer and remove the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Removing the drive is a step, but the first step in acquisition is to image it with a write blocker.
- ✓
Create a forensic image using a write blocker
Why this is correct
A write-blocked forensic image ensures no data is altered during acquisition.
- ✗
Calculate the hash of the original drive
Why it's wrong here
Hashing should be performed after imaging to verify integrity, but not as the first step.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Logical Access Controls
Key term
Forensic image
A forensic image is an exact, bit-for-bit copy of a storage device, including all deleted and hidden data, created and preserved for digital investigation.
Key term
Integrity
Integrity is the assurance that data has not been altered or tampered with in an unauthorized way, preserving its accuracy and consistency from source to destination.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.