What type of imaging does FTK Imager perform?

FTK Imager is specifically designed to create forensic images, which are exact bit-by-bit copies of storage media that preserve the original data, including deleted items, unallocated space, and file slack. This type of imaging is crucial in forensic investigations because it ensures that all information is maintained in its original state for analysis and can be used in court as evidence.

The focus on forensic imaging encompasses not just copying data, but also ensuring the integrity of the data through cryptographic hash functions that generate a unique fingerprint of the image, allowing examiners to verify that the image remains unchanged over time. This makes it an essential tool for digital forensic investigators as they work to examine and analyze evidence in a legally defensible manner.

While other types of imaging or data handling methods exist, the primary purpose of FTK Imager is for forensic imaging, which aligns with the specific requirements of forensic analysis rather than just copying or capturing data without consideration for its integrity.