easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A forensic analyst needs to collect volatile data…
A forensic analyst needs to collect volatile data from a live Windows system. In which order should the analyst collect the following data? (Order of volatility)
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
✓
Memory dump, network connections, running processes, disk image
Memory is the most volatile and should be collected first, followed by network connections, then processes, and finally disk data. Option A is wrong because disk is less volatile. Option C is wrong because processes should be after memory. Option D is wrong because network state is more volatile than disk.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disk image, memory dump, network connections, running processes
Why it's wrong here
Disk is less volatile and should be collected later.
- ✓
Memory dump, network connections, running processes, disk image
Why this is correct
This follows the order of volatility from most to least volatile.
- ✗
Network connections, running processes, memory dump, disk image
Why it's wrong here
Memory is more volatile than network connections.
- ✗
Running processes, memory dump, network connections, disk image
Why it's wrong here
Memory should be captured before processes.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.