A forensic bridge, also known as a write blocker, is a device that is used in digital forensics to prevent any changes from being made to a storage device, such as a hard drive or USB drive, during the forensic imaging process. Write blockers are used in order to preserve the original evidence in its original state and prevent any contamination of the evidence.
There are two main types of forensic bridges: hardware-based and software-based. Hardware-based forensic bridges are physical devices that are connected between the storage device and the forensic analysis computer. They use hardware-level controls to prevent any changes from being made to the storage device.
Software-based forensic bridges, on the other hand, are programs that are installed on the forensic analysis computer and control access to the storage device. These programs can be used in conjunction with hardware-based forensic bridges to provide an additional layer of protection.
Both hardware-based and software-based forensic bridges work by allowing the forensic analyst to read data from the storage device, but preventing any changes from being made. This is useful in cases where the storage device may contain evidence that could be altered or deleted if access is not properly controlled.
For example, a forensic bridge might be used in the investigation of a cybercrime in order to preserve the contents of a suspect's computer for analysis. By using a forensic bridge, the analyst can ensure that the original evidence is not tampered with and that the integrity of the investigation is maintained.
Overall, forensic bridges are an important tool in digital forensics, as they allow analysts to preserve the original evidence and conduct a thorough analysis without the risk of contamination or alteration.
