This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of computer forensics fundamentals and process. 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.
A first responder arrives at a scene where a computer is on and logged in. There is a suspicion that the system contains volatile data that may be crucial to the investigation. According to best practices, what should the first responder do?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Immediately pull the power cord to preserve the hard drive
Why wrong: This destroys volatile data.
Place the system in a Faraday bag and transport to lab
Why wrong: Faraday bags are for wireless devices, not for preserving volatile memory.
Take photos and then shut down normally
Why wrong: Normal shutdown alters evidence.
Collect volatile data using tools like FTK Imager or dd
Volatile memory collection should be done before powering off.
Answer choices
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 using tools like FTK Imager or dd
Option D is correct because volatile data (e.g., RAM contents, network connections, running processes) is lost when the system loses power. FTK Imager or dd can capture a bit-for-bit image of memory and live system state while the computer remains on, preserving evidence that would otherwise vanish. This aligns with the order of volatility (RFC 3227), which prioritizes capturing volatile data before any other action.
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.
Immediately pull the power cord to preserve the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
This destroys volatile data.
Place the system in a Faraday bag and transport to lab
Why it's wrong here
Faraday bags are for wireless devices, not for preserving volatile memory.
Take photos and then shut down normally
Why it's wrong here
Normal shutdown alters evidence.
Collect volatile data using tools like FTK Imager or dd
Why this is correct
Volatile memory collection should be done before powering off.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that preserving the hard drive is the top priority, but the trap here is that volatile data is more fragile and must be collected first, even if it means leaving the system powered on.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, volatile data resides in RAM, which requires constant power to retain its state. Tools like FTK Imager use a kernel driver (e.g., winpmem) to read physical memory via \\.\Device\PhysicalMemory on Windows or /dev/mem on Linux, while dd can capture raw memory from /proc/kcore or /dev/crash. In a real-world scenario, a suspect might have encryption keys or active chat sessions in memory that are only recoverable through a live acquisition before power loss.
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 CHFI 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — This question tests Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Collect volatile data using tools like FTK Imager or dd — Option D is correct because volatile data (e.g., RAM contents, network connections, running processes) is lost when the system loses power. FTK Imager or dd can capture a bit-for-bit image of memory and live system state while the computer remains on, preserving evidence that would otherwise vanish. This aligns with the order of volatility (RFC 3227), which prioritizes capturing volatile data before any other action.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best", "first". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CHFI exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.