Question 364 of 1,013
First Step in Malware Response: Collect Volatile Data
A finance laptop is powered on, the user is still logged in, and it remains connected to Wi-Fi after a malware alert. What should the responder do first to preserve volatile evidence?
Quick Answer
The correct first step is to collect volatile data such as memory, running processes, and active network connections. This is because the laptop is powered on, the user is logged in, and it remains connected to Wi-Fi, meaning the system’s volatile evidence—like in-memory malware artifacts, active malicious processes, and live network sessions—will be permanently lost the moment the device is shut down or disconnected. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the order of volatility, a core forensic principle that prioritizes capturing the most ephemeral data first. A common trap is choosing to disconnect the network or power off the system immediately, but that destroys the very evidence needed for analysis. Remember the memory tip: “RAM before the plug” — always capture running memory and processes before touching the power or network cable.
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly believe immediate shutdown (Option A) stops attacker activity, but in forensic practice, preserving volatile evidence by capturing memory and network state is always the priority before any power-down action.
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
✓
Collect volatile data such as memory, running processes, and active network connections.
The laptop is powered on, the user is logged in, and it is connected to the network, meaning volatile data (memory contents, running processes, active network connections) is at immediate risk of being lost if the system is shut down or tampered with. The responder must collect this data first to preserve evidence of the malware's current state, including any malicious processes, network connections, and in-memory artifacts that would disappear on power loss.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Power the laptop off immediately to stop any further attacker activity.
Why it's wrong here
Immediate power-off can destroy volatile data such as memory contents, active connections, and running process information that may be critical to the investigation.
- ✓
Collect volatile data such as memory, running processes, and active network connections.
Why this is correct
Volatile evidence is the first thing to lose when a machine shuts down or is rebooted, so collecting it immediately is the best move. Memory, process lists, open sockets, and logged-in sessions can reveal malware injection, command-and-control activity, or stolen credentials in use. Preserving that state before containment actions or shutdown gives investigators a better picture of what happened on the system.
- ✗
Run a full antimalware scan before touching any other data.
Why it's wrong here
A full scan may alter the system state, consume resources, and change evidence. It is not the first step when volatile artifacts still exist and need preservation.
- ✗
Disconnect the power cable and remove the battery to prevent changes.
Why it's wrong here
Removing power protects against further execution, but it also destroys volatile data. That makes it a poor first step when evidence preservation is the priority.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SY0-701
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A workstation is suspected of malware infection, and it is still powered on and connected to the network. Which action best preserves volatile evidence before the system is shut down?
easy- A.Immediately power off the workstation to stop any malicious activity.
- ✓ B.Capture memory and note running processes before taking further action.
- C.Run a full antivirus scan before documenting anything.
- D.Delete temporary files to reduce the chance of reinfection.
Why B: Volatile evidence, such as the contents of RAM (running processes, network connections, open files), is lost when the system is powered off. Capturing a memory dump and recording running processes preserves this critical data for forensic analysis, allowing investigators to identify malware artifacts (e.g., injected code, hidden processes) that exist only in memory. This aligns with the NIST SP 800-86 forensic procedure of prioritizing volatile data collection before system shutdown.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
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