SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
An incident responder is collecting evidence from a compromised Linux server. The responder uses the 'dd' command to create an image of the hard drive. Which of the following is the PRIMARY reason for using a write blocker during this process?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is thinking that a write blocker is mainly for preventing timestamp changes or for speed, rather than for blocking all writes to preserve evidence.
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
✓
To ensure the imaging process does not modify the original evidence.
A write blocker is a hardware or software tool that allows read-only access to a storage device, preventing any write operations. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the original evidence is not modified during forensic imaging. This preservation of integrity is crucial for the evidence to be admissible in court and for accurate analysis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To prevent the operating system from mounting the drive and altering timestamps.
Why it's wrong here
While a write blocker can prevent mounting and timestamp alteration, that is not its primary purpose. The primary purpose is to prevent any write operations to the evidence drive. Mounting is a specific action that could alter timestamps, but a write blocker blocks all writes, not just those from mounting. The broader goal is to maintain evidence integrity.
- ✓
To ensure the imaging process does not modify the original evidence.
Why this is correct
The primary purpose of a write blocker is to prevent any write commands from reaching the evidence drive during imaging. This ensures that the original evidence remains unaltered, preserving its integrity for forensic analysis and legal proceedings. Without a write blocker, the imaging tool or OS could inadvertently write to the drive, contaminating the evidence.
- ✗
To increase the speed of the imaging process by bypassing file system checks.
Why it's wrong here
A write blocker does not increase imaging speed; in fact, it may slightly slow the process by intercepting write commands. Its purpose is not performance but evidence preservation. Bypassing file system checks is not a function of a write blocker; imaging tools often read the raw device regardless of file system.
- ✗
To allow the responder to write notes directly to the evidence drive for documentation.
Why it's wrong here
Writing notes to the evidence drive would alter the evidence, which is exactly what a write blocker prevents. Documentation should be kept separately, such as in a notebook or digital log. A write blocker ensures that no data is written to the evidence drive, including notes.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.