Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

What is the process of extracting and gathering data in an unaltered manner from storage media called?

1. Dynamic acquisition

2. Static acquisition

3. Real-time acquisition

4. Data preservation

The correct answer is: Static acquisition

The correct answer is static acquisition, which refers to the process of creating a bit-for-bit copy of the data from a storage medium in a way that does not alter or modify the original data. In digital forensics, maintaining the integrity of the data is paramount, as any alteration could compromise the validity of the evidence. Static acquisition typically involves creating a forensic image of the storage device, ensuring that all data, including deleted files and hidden data, is preserved in its original state. Static acquisition is performed when the storage medium is not in active use, allowing forensic investigators to safely gather data without the risk of changes occurring during the extraction process. This method is critical for forensic investigations, as it enables experts to analyze the data accurately and rely on it in legal proceedings. Dynamic acquisition, on the other hand, involves collecting data while the system is running, which could risk altering the evidence and is not ideal for preserving the state of the data. Real-time acquisition also implies collecting data on a live system, which may include volatile data and lacks the assurance of a complete and untouched copy. Data preservation is a broader term that can refer to various methods of protecting data but does not specifically define the process of extraction and gathering unaltered data from storage media.