How can you verify that an image is an exact forensic duplicate of the original?

Verifying that an image is an exact forensic duplicate of the original is critical in ensuring data integrity and authenticity in forensic investigations. The correct approach is to load the files into EnCase, allow the verification process to complete, and then check the results for complete verification.

This option is effective because EnCase will calculate and compare hash values for both the original evidence and the forensic image. If the hash values match, it confirms that the forensic image is an exact duplicate of the original media, ensuring that no data has been altered or corrupted during the imaging process. The verification process in EnCase is designed to provide comprehensive results that affirm the duplication's integrity, making it a reliable method for confirming the fidelity of the image.

In contrast, other options may not provide a full verification process. For instance, using a hex editor only offers a limited comparison of sample sectors and does not guarantee that the entirety of the forensic image matches the original. Similarly, stopping the verification midway or relying on verification via EnCase for DOS may not yield a thorough result, as they don't guarantee a complete and accurate comparison of the image to the original source. The integrity of forensic evidence relies heavily on thorough processes, which is why allowing the full verification in EnCase is the best