Of the following methods for acquiring data for forensic analysis, which of the following is NOT one of them?
A. disk-to-disk copy
B. disk-to-image file
C. logical disk-to-disk
D. data-to-data file
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: D. data-to-data file
Explanation:
In digital forensics, acquiring data properly is critical to ensure the integrity, authenticity, and admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings. Several standard methods exist for acquiring data from storage media, and they follow specific procedures to preserve data and maintain a verifiable chain of custody. Let’s look at the options provided:
A. Disk-to-disk copy:
This is a valid forensic acquisition method. It involves making a bit-for-bit (sector-by-sector) copy of a source disk onto another physical disk. This method is often used when time is critical and a direct copy is needed quickly. The downside is it requires a destination disk of equal or greater size, and verifying integrity via hashing is essential.
B. Disk-to-image file:
This is the most widely used and recommended method in digital forensics. The entire contents of a storage device are copied into a forensic image file (such as E01, DD, or AFF formats). This image can then be analyzed without risk to the original evidence. Tools like FTK Imager or EnCase often use this method.
C. Logical disk-to-disk:
This method refers to copying logical files and folders (as seen by the file system) rather than capturing all raw sectors, including deleted or hidden data. While it doesn’t provide as complete a picture as a full bit-by-bit copy, it can still be forensically valid when full disk imaging isn’t possible (e.g., in live systems).
D. Data-to-data file:
This is not a recognized forensic acquisition method. It is a vague and undefined term in the context of digital forensics. It doesn’t correspond to any standard practice or tool used in the forensic acquisition of digital evidence.
Conclusion:
Option D, data-to-data file, is not a legitimate method for forensic data acquisition, making it the correct answer.