A cybersecurity analyst is responding to an incident involving a compromised Linux server. To preserve evidence for a detailed forensic investigation, the analyst needs to create a forensically sound, bit-for-bit copy of the server's primary storage drive (/dev/sda). This image must include all data, including partitions, unallocated space, and deleted files. Which of the following commands should the analyst use?
The dd command is the correct tool for this task as it is designed to perform a raw, bit-for-bit copy of a source to a destination. This creates a forensically sound image of the entire drive, including unallocated space and remnants of deleted files, which is essential for a thorough investigation. The rsync command synchronizes files and directories, but it is a file-level copy tool and will not capture deleted files or unallocated space. The tar command is used to create file archives but does not create a block-level image of a disk. The scp command securely copies files over a network but, like rsync and tar, operates at the file level and is not suitable for creating a forensic disk image.
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How does a digital forensic imaging tool ensure the integrity of evidence?
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What is the difference between a digital forensic imaging tool and an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?
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Why is bit-by-bit imaging critical in digital forensics?