SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
A security team is collecting evidence from a compromised server. They need to create a forensic image. Which of the following is the CORRECT procedure to ensure data integrity?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates think a simple backup or file copy is sufficient for forensic evidence, but the SSCP exam emphasizes that only a write-blocked bit-for-bit copy with hash verification ensures data integrity and admissibility.
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
✓
Use a write blocker to create a bit-for-bit copy, then compute MD5 hash of the original and the copy to verify they match
Forensic imaging requires a write blocker to prevent any modification to the original evidence, and a bit-for-bit copy preserves all data, including slack space and deleted files. Computing an MD5 hash of both the original and the copy verifies integrity by ensuring the hashes match, confirming no data alteration occurred during acquisition.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use a write blocker to create a bit-for-bit copy, then compute MD5 hash of the original and the copy to verify they match
Why this is correct
Correct. This preserves integrity and verifies that the copy is exact.
- ✗
Take a photo of the screen and document file timestamps manually
Why it's wrong here
This does not create a forensic image.
- ✗
Create a compressed image file using software without a write blocker
Why it's wrong here
Without write blocker, the original data may be altered.
- ✗
Boot the system and run a backup utility to copy files to an external drive
Why it's wrong here
Booting modifies data; file copy does not capture deleted or slack space.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.