What is the essential function of a write-blocker in forensic investigations?

The essential function of a write-blocker in forensic investigations is to preserve evidence integrity. A write-blocker is a hardware or software tool that prevents any writing or modification of data on a storage device while still allowing data to be read. This is crucial because when conducting digital forensics, the integrity of the original data must be maintained to ensure that the evidence collected is valid and admissible in court. If any changes were made to the evidence during the investigation, it could compromise the findings and undermine the case.

In forensic investigations, maintaining a pristine copy of the original data is vital, as it allows forensic analysts to perform analysis on copies while leaving the original untouched. This practice ensures that the chain of custody is respected, and the findings remain authentic and trustworthy for legal proceedings or other investigations.