Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which open-source tool did Allen use to employ data carving techniques for recovering deleted files from a memory dump?

1. PhotoRec

2. TestDisk

3. Foremost

4. Recuva

The correct answer is: PhotoRec

The correct answer is PhotoRec, a powerful open-source tool specifically designed for data recovery, including data carving techniques. Data carving refers to the process of extracting files from unallocated space in storage media, which is particularly useful for recovering deleted files. PhotoRec excels in this area because it can recognize and recover various file types by searching through the disk for file signatures, making it effective even from memory dumps. While other tools listed have their own purposes, they may not focus solely on data carving from memory dumps. TestDisk, for example, is primarily used for disk recovery and partition restoration, not data carving specifically. Foremost is also a file recovery program, but its main focus is on recovering files based on header/footer signatures, similar to PhotoRec, yet PhotoRec is better known for its extensive file format support and ease of use. Recuva, although capable of recovering lost files, is not typically categorized as an open-source tool and has a more user-friendly focus rather than the technical capabilities provided by PhotoRec. Hence, PhotoRec stands out as the appropriate choice for employing data carving techniques in the context provided.