What is the purpose of forensic imaging?

The purpose of forensic imaging is to create an exact copy of a storage device for detailed inspection. This process involves duplicating all data, including deleted files, hidden data, and system files, to ensure that a complete and unaltered representation of the original storage medium is available for analysis. This exact replica allows forensic examiners to conduct their investigations without risking damage to the original evidence, maintaining the integrity and admissibility of the findings in legal contexts.

Forensic imaging ensures that investigators can conduct a thorough examination in a controlled environment, utilizing specialized tools to analyze the data without compromising the primary source. This is critical in preserving the chain of custody and providing court-admissible results. The integrity of the evidence is paramount in forensic investigations, and imaging facilitates this by allowing professionals to work on a copy rather than the original device.

The other options do not align with the primary intent of forensic imaging. For instance, condensing data or altering original files contradicts the goal of preserving evidence integrity, while real-time monitoring of file changes pertains more to continuous surveillance rather than the static analysis that forensic imaging provides.