What is one of the functions of a write blocker in digital forensics?

A write blocker is a critical tool in digital forensics used specifically to prevent any alteration of data on a storage device during the examination process. The primary function of a write blocker is to ensure the integrity of the original evidence by allowing the forensic examiner to access the data without modifying anything on the drive. This is vital because any change to the data could compromise its validity in a legal context, potentially making it inadmissible in court.

The ability to prevent data alteration helps maintain a chain of custody, which is essential for establishing the authenticity of the evidence and the reliability of the forensic analysis. Therefore, using a write blocker is a best practice in digital forensics to avoid accidental writes to the media being examined, safeguarding the original data’s integrity for subsequent analysis and legal proceedings.