The correct first step is to create a forensic image using a write blocker. This is essential because a write blocker is a hardware or software tool that prevents any data from being written to the original hard drive during acquisition, ensuring the evidence remains unaltered. In the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of forensic procedure and evidence preservation—a core domain of incident response. A common trap is confusing hashing with the first step; hashing verifies integrity after the image is made, not before. Another trap is thinking you should boot the drive, but that modifies metadata and timestamps. Remember the memory tip: “Block first, hash second”—the write blocker must be in place before any bit-for-bit copy begins, keeping the original pristine for court admissibility.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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, it is crucial to preserve the original evidence. What is the first step the investigator should take when acquiring a hard drive?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
Option C is correct because creating a bit-for-bit forensic image (write blocker) preserves the original evidence. Hashing (A) verifies integrity but is done after imaging. Booting (B) modifies data. Turning off (D) may be necessary but not the first acquisition step; the first step is to image with a write blocker.
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.
✗
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a forensic image using a write blocker — Option C is correct because creating a bit-for-bit forensic image (write blocker) preserves the original evidence. Hashing (A) verifies integrity but is done after imaging. Booting (B) modifies data. Turning off (D) may be necessary but not the first acquisition step; the first step is to image with a write blocker.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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