Why is it important to use write-blockers during evidence acquisition?

Using write-blockers during evidence acquisition is critical because they prevent any alteration of the original data on the storage device. When forensic investigators are acquiring digital evidence, it is essential that the integrity of the data is maintained. Any inadvertent change to the original files or metadata during the acquisition process could compromise the evidence's authenticity, rendering it inadmissible in legal proceedings. Write-blockers allow investigators to read data from a drive without writing any new data to it, thereby safeguarding the original material.

The other options, while related to forensic practices, do not capture the primary purpose of write-blockers. Speeding up the acquisition process is not the main goal; the focus is on data integrity. Enhancing data recovery may occur as a secondary effect, but it is not the fundamental reason for utilizing write-blockers. Finally, ensuring device compatibility is also not the primary function of these tools; their main role is to protect the original data from being altered during examination.