CompTIA CySA+ (CS0-003)Incident Response and ManagementEasy
A security analyst is performing a forensic investigation on a workstation suspected of being compromised by malware. The analyst needs to create a forensically sound copy of the hard drive. Which of the following tools is BEST suited for this task?
- Add
- Btar
- Crsync
- Dcp
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. dd
The `dd` command (or forensic imaging tools based on its principles) creates a bit-for-bit copy of a storage device, including unused space and file system metadata, which is essential for a forensically sound image. `rsync`, `tar`, and `cp` are for copying files and directories, not raw disk images.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. tar archives files and directories, not raw disk images, and doesn't capture deleted data or free space.
- C. rsync synchronizes files and directories, not raw disk images, and doesn't preserve deleted data or free space.
- D. cp copies files and directories but does not create a forensic image of the entire disk, including unallocated space.
Forensic Imaging
The process of creating an exact, bit-for-bit copy of a digital storage device, preserving all data including deleted files, metadata, and unallocated space, for forensic analysis.
- Ensures data integrity and admissibility in court.
- Prevents alteration of original evidence.
- Tools like dd are commonly used for disk imaging.
Memory trick: Acquisition is like taking a perfect snapshot of the digital scene.