In digital forensics, what does the term 'write blocker' refer to?

The term 'write blocker' in digital forensics refers to a tool that prevents any modifications to the storage media. This is crucial in forensic investigations because maintaining the integrity of evidence is paramount. When analyzing digital storage devices, such as hard drives or flash drives, forensic specialists use write blockers to ensure that no data is accidentally altered or erased during the examination process.

By employing a write blocker, investigators can access and analyze the contents of the media without risking the introduction of new data or changes to existing files. This practice is essential for adhering to legal standards, as any alteration to the evidence can lead to challenges in court regarding its admissibility. The use of write blockers ensures that the original state of the data is preserved, allowing for accurate and reliable analysis.

The other options refer to different activities in data management and recovery but do not accurately describe what a write blocker does. For instance, software that retrieves deleted files does not necessarily prevent modifications; rather, it is used for recovery. Similarly, while encrypting data and secure data sharing are important in data security, they are unrelated to the primary function of a write blocker in preserving evidence integrity.