When would a forensic investigator utilize a write blocker?

A write blocker is a critical tool for a forensic investigator, as it ensures the integrity of the digital evidence being collected. When imaging a disk, the investigator needs to create an exact copy of the hard drive or storage device without modifying the original data. Utilizing a write blocker during this process prevents any write operations from occurring, thus ensuring that the original data remains untouched and preserved in its original state.

This practice is essential in forensic investigations because any unintentional changes to the data can compromise the integrity of the evidence and potentially invalidate it in a legal setting. By imaging the disk with a write blocker in place, the investigator can be confident that they are working with a reliable and forensic-sound copy of the data, which is essential for later analysis and presentation in court.

In contrast, other actions such as creating backups, transferring files, or analyzing network traffic do not necessitate the same level of protection against write operations and do not typically involve concerns about preserving original data integrity in the same manner as disk imaging.