- A
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
Correct. This preserves integrity and verifies that the copy is exact.
- B
Take a photo of the screen and document file timestamps manually
Why wrong: This does not create a forensic image.
- C
Create a compressed image file using software without a write blocker
Why wrong: Without write blocker, the original data may be altered.
- D
Boot the system and run a backup utility to copy files to an external drive
Why wrong: Booting modifies data; file copy does not capture deleted or slack space.
Question 992 of 1,000
SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of incident response and recovery. 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.
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?
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
Option A is correct because 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.
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.
- ✓
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A write blocker operates at the hardware or software level to intercept write commands, returning success without executing them, ensuring the original drive remains read-only. Bit-for-bit imaging (e.g., using `dd` or FTK Imager) captures every sector, including unallocated space, while MD5 (or SHA-1/SHA-256) provides a cryptographic hash that acts as a digital fingerprint; even a single bit change produces a different hash. In real-world scenarios, courts may reject evidence if the imaging process did not use a write blocker or if hash verification is missing, as per NIST SP 800-86 guidelines.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Incident Response and Recovery — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Incident Response and Recovery — This question tests Incident Response and Recovery — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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 — Option A is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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