What is the primary purpose of using a forensic imaging tool?

The primary purpose of using a forensic imaging tool is to create an exact copy of digital evidence. This process involves making a bit-for-bit copy of the data on a storage device, preserving both the content and the metadata. This comprehensive duplication ensures that the original evidence remains unaltered and intact, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the forensic investigation. By having an exact image of the original source, forensic experts can perform their analyses without affecting the original data, adhering to legal and ethical standards in digital forensics. This capability is fundamental for any subsequent analysis, recovery of deleted files, or examination of file structures, as it allows investigators to work with a secure and untouched version of the data.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of forensic imaging tools. Enhancing video quality, analyzing network traffic, and deleting unnecessary files do not pertain to the core objective of creating forensic copies to preserve evidence for legal proceedings and in-depth examinations.