CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
During an incident response engagement, the security team identifies that a compromised host has been communicating with multiple external IP addresses using encrypted channels. The team needs to determine which processes initiated the connections. Which type of evidence collection should be performed first to preserve the most volatile data?
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
✓
Perform a memory capture using a tool like DumpIt or winpmem
In digital forensics, the order of volatility dictates that volatile data (e.g., running processes, network connections) should be collected first because it is lost when the system is powered down. Memory capture preserves this data, including process information and active network connections.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Export the Windows event logs related to network activity
Why it's wrong here
Event logs are less volatile than memory but still should be collected after memory.
- ✗
Execute a network scan from the compromised host to identify active connections
Why it's wrong here
Running commands on a live system can alter evidence and should be avoided; memory capture is preferred.
- ✗
Capture a full disk image using FTK Imager
Why it's wrong here
Disk imaging is important but captures non-volatile data; volatile data would be lost if the system is shut down first.
- ✓
Perform a memory capture using a tool like DumpIt or winpmem
Why this is correct
Memory capture preserves the most volatile data, including running processes and network connections, which is critical for identifying malicious processes.
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JA
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.