Quick Answer
The correct answer is to photograph the screen and create a forensic image. This preserves both the visible state of the evidence—the open log file—and the underlying data in a bit-for-bit copy without altering the original. In chain of custody evidence preservation, the core principle is that any action must not modify, destroy, or contaminate the original evidence; photographing captures volatile context, while forensic imaging ensures the data remains intact and verifiable. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of volatile data handling and the order of volatility, a common trap being the instinct to close files or shut down the system, which would alter metadata or lose memory contents. Remember the mnemonic “Snap and Clone”—snap a photo of the screen, then clone the drive forensically—to avoid breaking the chain.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An investigator seizes a laptop as evidence from a crime scene. At the scene, the laptop is turned on and a log file is open. What should the investigator do to preserve evidence according to chain of custody procedures?
Close the log file and copy it to a USB drive
Why wrong: Copying may alter timestamps and not preserve the exact state.
Shut down the laptop and remove the hard drive
Why wrong: Shutting down loses volatile data.
Execute the log file to ensure it is legitimate
Why wrong: Execution modifies evidence.
Photograph the screen and create a forensic image
This captures the current state and preserves the evidence.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Photograph the screen and create a forensic image
Option A is correct because photographing the screen captures the state, and creating a forensic image preserves the data. Option B is wrong because closing the file may alter metadata or memory. Option C is wrong because shutting down may lose volatile data. Option D is wrong because executing the file could modify evidence.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Close the log file and copy it to a USB drive
Why it's wrong here
Copying may alter timestamps and not preserve the exact state.
Shut down the laptop and remove the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Shutting down loses volatile data.
Execute the log file to ensure it is legitimate
Why it's wrong here
Execution modifies evidence.
Photograph the screen and create a forensic image
Why this is correct
This captures the current state and preserves the evidence.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Policies and Procedures — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Photograph the screen and create a forensic image — Option A is correct because photographing the screen captures the state, and creating a forensic image preserves the data. Option B is wrong because closing the file may alter metadata or memory. Option C is wrong because shutting down may lose volatile data. Option D is wrong because executing the file could modify evidence.
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 200-201 exam.
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