What is the mandatory requirement for every tool used in the disk imaging process?

The mandatory requirement for every tool used in the disk imaging process is that it must be capable of comparing source and destination sizes. This capability is critical in digital forensics because it ensures the integrity of the imaging process. When creating a disk image, it is essential to verify that the data was copied accurately and completely from the source drive to the destination. By comparing the sizes, forensic investigators can determine if the entire disk has been replicated without any loss or corruption of data. If there is a discrepancy in the sizes, it may indicate a problem during the imaging process that needs to be addressed before proceeding with any analysis.

In contrast, compatibility with all types of hard drives, providing read and write access to the hard drive, or allowing modifications to source data are not universally applicable requirements. Compatibility is important, but not all tools need to work with every drive type; rather, they should be suitable for the specific drives being imaged. Providing read and write access can compromise the integrity of the data and is generally not allowed in forensics. Also, modifications to the source data are typically avoided to maintain the evidentiary value and authenticity of the original information.