What does a write blocker prevent during a forensic investigation?

A write blocker is a crucial tool used in digital forensics to ensure the integrity of data collected from storage media. Its primary function is to prevent any alteration of data during the forensic investigation process. When you connect a storage device, like a hard drive or USB, to a computer for analysis, there's a risk that the operating system or forensic software may inadvertently modify the data on that device. This could be anything from metadata changes to unintentional file writes, which would compromise the evidence's integrity.

By using a write blocker, forensic investigators can safely access the data on the storage device while completely preventing any write commands from being executed. This measure ensures that the original state of the data remains intact and can be reliably used in legal contexts, maintaining the chain of custody that is vital in forensic investigations. Therefore, the role of a write blocker in preventing data alteration is essential for valid and accurate forensic analysis.