What is a common use of disk imaging in digital forensics?

Disk imaging is a crucial process in digital forensics, primarily used to create an exact bit-for-bit copy of a storage device. This method allows forensic investigators to preserve the original state of the storage device, ensuring that the data remains unaltered during the examination process. By using disk imaging, investigators can conduct thorough analyses on the copy, performing various tasks such as searching for evidence, recovering deleted files, or examining file system structures, all while keeping the original data secure and intact.

This preservation is essential for maintaining the integrity of evidence, as any direct interaction with the original device can lead to changes, which could compromise the investigation. Thus, disk imaging serves not only to replicate the data but also to uphold the legal standards required in forensic examinations.