Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which acquisition format creates a bit-by-bit copy using the dd command?

1. Raw format

2. Advanced Forensics Format

3. Sparse format

4. Bit-stream format

The correct answer is: Raw format

The raw format is the correct choice because it refers to a straightforward, unprocessed copy of the data from the source storage device. When the dd command is used for data acquisition, it captures the entire disk image as a bit-for-bit copy, meaning every single bit of data from the original device is duplicated in the resulting file. This format does not apply any compression or transformation, making it an ideal choice for digital forensics where preserving the integrity and structure of the original data is crucial. In contrast, other formats like the Advanced Forensics Format and Sparse format involve additional processing or structure, which may not be suitable for all forensic purposes. The Advanced Forensics Format is designed to include metadata and help in managing complex data structures, while the Sparse format optimizes space by only storing the non-zero data, potentially skipping over areas of zeros and thereby not providing a complete image of the original source. Bit-stream format is often synonymous with various types of imaging, but it can sometimes include further specifications that deviate from the raw, unprocessed nature of the acquisition, making raw format the most direct and common choice for bit-by-bit copying via the dd command.