In digital forensics and incident response, disk imaging is a critical process used to create an exact copy of a storage device for analysis. An untampered disk image—also referred to as a forensically sound image—preserves the original data exactly as it existed at the time of acquisition. This includes file contents, metadata, deleted files, and unallocated space. Untampered images are verified using cryptographic hash values to ensure integrity and admissibility.
A tampered disk image, on the other hand, is one that has been altered after acquisition or intentionally manipulated to conceal or insert data. Tampering may involve modifying files, altering metadata, injecting hidden data, or using steganographic techniques to store hidden items within the image. Such changes invalidate the integrity of the evidence and compromise forensic analysis.
Options A and B are incorrect because security is not defined by whether an image is tampered or untampered; rather, integrity and authenticity are the determining factors. Option C is incorrect because untampered images do not intentionally store hidden items—they preserve data as-is.
Cybersecurity operations documentation emphasizes that maintaining untampered disk images is essential for reliable investigation, legal proceedings, and accurate root-cause analysis. Any modification to an image must be documented and performed on a working copy, never the original.
Therefore, the correct distinction is that tampered disk images may store hidden or altered items, making Option D the correct answer.
