What type of software is commonly used for disk imaging in computer forensics?

Forensic imaging tools are specifically designed for creating an exact, bit-by-bit copy of a storage device, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive. This process, known as disk imaging, captures all data, including hidden files, system files, and deleted information, without altering the original data. By using forensic imaging tools, practitioners ensure the integrity of the evidence, which is critical in legal contexts. These tools typically come with features that support the validation of the copied data through checksums, enabling users to confirm that the image is an accurate representation of the original media.

Other categories of software mentioned, such as data recovery tools, antivirus software, and file compression software, serve different purposes. Data recovery tools focus on recovering lost or deleted files, but they may not create a complete and unaltered copy of the data. Antivirus software is designed to protect systems from malware and does not perform imaging functions. File compression software reduces the size of files for storage efficiency but does not create an exact image of disk contents necessary for forensic investigations. Thus, forensic imaging tools stand out as the appropriate choice for disk imaging in computer forensics.