Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of making a duplicate of a hard drive for examination?

1. To increase the drive's read speeds

2. To preserve the original state of the hard drive

3. To enhance the drive's storage capacity

4. To improve data retrieval times

The correct answer is: To preserve the original state of the hard drive

The primary purpose of making a duplicate of a hard drive for examination is to preserve the original state of the hard drive. This is crucial in the context of cybersecurity and forensic analysis, where the integrity of the data must be maintained throughout the investigation process. By creating an exact copy, analysts can conduct their examinations, analysis, and recover data without risking any alteration to the original drive, which might occur through accidental changes or even through the act of examining the drive itself. Preserving the original data is paramount in legal and forensic scenarios, as any modifications could compromise the authenticity of the evidence. This practice helps ensure that crucial evidence remains intact and can be verified by others if necessary. Thus, making a duplicate allows for a thorough analysis while safeguarding the original data, enabling a more reliable and valid investigation.