The answer is to use AWS Systems Manager Inventory to collect memory and disk information. This method is correct because the AWS-CollectInventory document, executed via the already-installed SSM Agent, gathers metadata on running processes (memory) and file system details (disk) without rebooting or halting the instance, making it ideal for live forensics during incident response. On the AWS Certified Security Specialty SCS-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how SSM Inventory can perform non-disruptive data collection, contrasting with methods like EC2 Instance Connect or custom scripts that risk crashing the OS. A common trap is assuming you need a separate forensic tool or a snapshot, but Inventory’s agent-based metadata collection is purpose-built for this. Memory tip: think “Inventory = In-Place, Non-Destructive” to recall it collects live data without stopping the instance.
SCS-C02 Threat Detection and Incident Response Practice Question
This SCS-C02 practice question tests your understanding of threat detection and incident response. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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 collect memory and disk forensics from a running EC2 Windows instance without causing the instance to crash. The engineer has AWS Systems Manager SSM Agent installed. Which method should the engineer use?
Why wrong: An AMI captures disk state but not memory.
B
Use AWS Systems Manager Inventory to collect memory and disk information.
SSM Inventory can collect system metadata, and by using custom inventory scripts, it can collect memory dumps and disk files without crashing the instance.
C
Use AWS Backup to create a backup of the instance.
Why wrong: AWS Backup does not capture memory.
D
Create an EBS snapshot of the root volume.
Why wrong: Snapshots capture disk state but not memory; also, snapshots may be inconsistent if the instance is running.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use AWS Systems Manager Inventory to collect memory and disk information.
Option B is correct because AWS Systems Manager Inventory can collect both memory and disk forensics from a running EC2 Windows instance without causing it to crash. The SSM Agent, already installed, allows Inventory to gather metadata such as running processes (memory) and file system details (disk) via the AWS-CollectInventory document, which is designed for live data collection without rebooting or halting the instance.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create an AMI of the instance.
Why it's wrong here
An AMI captures disk state but not memory.
✓
Use AWS Systems Manager Inventory to collect memory and disk information.
Why this is correct
SSM Inventory can collect system metadata, and by using custom inventory scripts, it can collect memory dumps and disk files without crashing the instance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use AWS Backup to create a backup of the instance.
Why it's wrong here
AWS Backup does not capture memory.
✗
Create an EBS snapshot of the root volume.
Why it's wrong here
Snapshots capture disk state but not memory; also, snapshots may be inconsistent if the instance is running.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse AWS Systems Manager Inventory with a full forensic collection tool, but Inventory only gathers metadata and not raw memory or disk images, so it is safe for live instances but limited in forensic depth.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS Systems Manager Inventory uses the AWS-CollectInventory SSM document to gather system metadata, including running services, applications, and network configurations, but it does not capture raw memory dumps or full disk images—it collects structured data like process lists and file hashes. For true memory forensics, tools like WinPmem or DumpIt would be needed, but Inventory provides a non-disruptive snapshot of system state. In real-world incident response, this approach is used to quickly triage without halting production instances, though it sacrifices deep forensic detail for availability.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Threat Detection and Incident Response — This question tests Threat Detection and Incident Response — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Systems Manager Inventory to collect memory and disk information. — Option B is correct because AWS Systems Manager Inventory can collect both memory and disk forensics from a running EC2 Windows instance without causing it to crash. The SSM Agent, already installed, allows Inventory to gather metadata such as running processes (memory) and file system details (disk) via the AWS-CollectInventory document, which is designed for live data collection without rebooting or halting the instance.
What should I do if I get this SCS-C02 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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