Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following formats is known for its metadata storage in the context of disk images?

1. Advanced Forensics Format

2. RAW image format

3. Bitstream image format

4. Image file format

The correct answer is: Advanced Forensics Format

The Advanced Forensic Format (AFF) is specifically designed to store not only the raw data from the storage medium but also extensive metadata related to that data. This metadata can include information about the imaging process, such as timestamps, device information, and integrity checks, which are crucial for forensic analysis. The metadata capabilities of AFF enable investigators to maintain context and provenance, and it improves the integrity and reliability of the collected data. In contrast, the RAW image format generally captures a bit-for-bit copy of the storage device without any embedded metadata, making it less suitable for scenarios that require detailed documentation of the acquisition process. Similarly, the term bitstream image format often refers to approaches that don't emphasize metadata storage, focusing instead on a straightforward data replication. The image file format is more generic and does not point to any specific forensic capabilities regarding metadata. Therefore, the Advanced Forensic Format stands out as the correct choice for this context due to its robust metadata handling features.