What step in the data acquisition methodology involves enabling write protection on the evidence media?

In the data acquisition methodology, enabling write protection on the evidence media is a critical step that falls under determining the data acquisition method. This step ensures that the integrity of the original evidence is preserved during the acquisition process. By enabling write protection, forensic specialists can prevent any alterations or overwrites to the original data, which is vital to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the evidence for legal proceedings.

When determining the data acquisition method, forensic technicians must carefully consider how to safely collect evidence while minimizing any risk of data modification. This involves not just deciding on the appropriate tools and techniques, but also implementing measures like write protection to safeguard against accidental changes. This practice is foundational in ensuring that the data collected can stand up to scrutiny in a court of law.

In contrast, acquiring non-volatile data refers to the actual collection phase, where data is extracted from the storage device. Validating data acquisition involves checking the integrity of the collected data after acquisition, ensuring it matches the original. Planning for contingency involves preparing for unexpected situations during the digital forensics process. While these steps are important, enabling write protection specifically aligns with the method determination phase, making it a vital practice as part of a comprehensive forensic protocol.