- A
Use the dd command via AWS Systems Manager to create a raw image and store it in S3.
Why wrong: Using dd via Systems Manager to create a raw image and store in S3 is not a standard recommended approach; it is more complex and not native to AWS forensics.
- B
Detach the volume from the instance, create a snapshot, and then attach it to a forensic analysis instance.
Why wrong: Detaching the root volume requires stopping the instance, which violates the requirement not to stop the instance. Therefore this is incorrect.
- C
Create a snapshot while the volume is attached to the instance.
Creating a snapshot while the volume is attached is the correct method. Snapshots can be taken of in-use volumes and can then be used to create a forensic copy.
- D
Use AWS Systems Manager to run a command that copies the volume content to S3.
Why wrong: Using Systems Manager to copy volume content to S3 is not a direct method for capturing a forensic image; snapshots are the recommended approach.
SCS-C02 EBS Snapshot Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of threat detection and incident response. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: eBS Snapshot. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During an incident response, a security engineer needs to capture a forensic image of an EC2 instance's root volume for analysis. The instance is running and cannot be stopped. What is the recommended approach to capture the volume without stopping the instance?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a snapshot while the volume is attached to the instance.
The correct approach is to create a snapshot of the EBS root volume while it is still attached to the running instance (Option C). Snapshots can be taken of in-use volumes without stopping the instance, providing a point-in-time copy for forensic analysis. Option B is incorrect because you cannot detach the root volume of a running instance without first stopping it, which contradicts the requirement not to stop the instance.
Key principle: EBS Snapshot
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use the dd command via AWS Systems Manager to create a raw image and store it in S3.
Why it's wrong here
Using dd via Systems Manager to create a raw image and store in S3 is not a standard recommended approach; it is more complex and not native to AWS forensics.
- ✗
Detach the volume from the instance, create a snapshot, and then attach it to a forensic analysis instance.
Why it's wrong here
Detaching the root volume requires stopping the instance, which violates the requirement not to stop the instance. Therefore this is incorrect.
- ✓
Create a snapshot while the volume is attached to the instance.
Why this is correct
Creating a snapshot while the volume is attached is the correct method. Snapshots can be taken of in-use volumes and can then be used to create a forensic copy.
Related concept
EBS Snapshot
- ✗
Use AWS Systems Manager to run a command that copies the volume content to S3.
Why it's wrong here
Using Systems Manager to copy volume content to S3 is not a direct method for capturing a forensic image; snapshots are the recommended approach.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often mistakenly believe that the root volume can be detached while the instance is running (Option B), or that a snapshot requires stopping the instance. In reality, snapshots of attached volumes are allowed and are the recommended method for capturing forensic images without downtime.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When creating a snapshot of an attached EBS volume, AWS ensures crash-consistent data by quiescing I/O at the hypervisor level, but it does not guarantee file-system consistency unless the application or OS flushes buffers (e.g., via fsync or a pre-snapshot script). For forensic integrity, the snapshot should be used to create a new volume in a separate Availability Zone and attached to a dedicated forensic instance with write-blocking tools to prevent accidental modification during analysis.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- EBS Snapshot
- Root Volume
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
EBS Snapshot
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review eBS Snapshot, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Threat Detection and Incident Response — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SCS-C02 question test?
Threat Detection and Incident Response — This question tests Threat Detection and Incident Response — EBS Snapshot.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a snapshot while the volume is attached to the instance. — The correct approach is to create a snapshot of the EBS root volume while it is still attached to the running instance (Option C). Snapshots can be taken of in-use volumes without stopping the instance, providing a point-in-time copy for forensic analysis. Option B is incorrect because you cannot detach the root volume of a running instance without first stopping it, which contradicts the requirement not to stop the instance.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Review eBS Snapshot, then practise related SCS-C02 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
EBS Snapshot
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This SCS-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SCS-C02 exam.
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