Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which step in the forensic data acquisition methodology involves ensuring that data have been completely acquired by comparing hash values?

1. Backing up data

2. Validating data acquisition

3. Acquiring volatile data

4. Documenting the process

The correct answer is: Validating data acquisition

The step that involves ensuring that data have been completely acquired by comparing hash values is validating data acquisition. In digital forensics, hash values serve as unique identifiers for data sets. When data is acquired, a hash value is calculated for the original data and then another hash value is calculated for the acquired copy. By comparing these hash values, forensic analysts can confirm that the data has been transferred accurately and fully, ensuring the integrity of the evidence collected. This process is critical in maintaining a clear chain of custody and guaranteeing that the evidence can be trusted for further analysis or in court. Hash validation helps to detect any alterations or corruption that may have occurred during acquisition, which is essential for the credibility of the forensic process.