Quick Answer
The answer is a memory dump and an EBS snapshot, as these two sources capture the volatile and persistent data most at risk during cloud forensics volatile data preservation EC2 scenarios. A memory dump preserves RAM contents—such as running processes, active network connections, and encryption keys—that vanish the instant an instance is terminated, while an EBS snapshot provides a point-in-time copy of the root and data volumes, safeguarding the file system and persistent storage. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of cloud-specific forensic procedures, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose only one source or overlook the need for both volatile and non-volatile capture. Remember the mnemonic “RAM and Disk” to recall that a memory dump covers live system state and an EBS snapshot covers the disk, ensuring no critical evidence is lost before termination.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of network and cloud forensics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a cloud forensic investigation of an AWS EC2 instance, which TWO sources should be preserved to capture volatile data before instance termination?
Memory dump of the instance
Volatile data captured from RAM.
VPC flow logs
Why wrong: Network logs stored in CloudWatch, non-volatile.
Disk snapshot (EBS snapshot)
Preserves file system state before termination.
S3 server access logs
Why wrong: Object-level logs stored in S3, non-volatile.
AWS CloudTrail logs
Why wrong: API activity logs, stored persistently.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Memory dump of the instance
A memory dump of the EC2 instance captures RAM contents, including running processes, network connections, encryption keys, and other volatile data that is lost when the instance is terminated. This is critical for forensic analysis of live system state. An EBS snapshot preserves the root and data volumes, providing a point-in-time copy of the file system and persistent storage, which is also lost upon termination.
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.
Memory dump of the instance
Why this is correct
Volatile data captured from RAM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
VPC flow logs
Why it's wrong here
Network logs stored in CloudWatch, non-volatile.
Disk snapshot (EBS snapshot)
Why this is correct
Preserves file system state before termination.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
S3 server access logs
Why it's wrong here
Object-level logs stored in S3, non-volatile.
AWS CloudTrail logs
Why it's wrong here
API activity logs, stored persistently.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between volatile data (lost on termination) and persistent logs (stored externally), leading candidates to mistakenly include VPC flow logs or CloudTrail logs as sources of volatile data.
Detailed technical explanation
Volatile data in cloud forensics refers to information that exists only while the instance is running, such as process lists, ARP cache, kernel modules, and open file handles. Memory acquisition from an EC2 instance typically requires using tools like LiME or AVML via SSH, or leveraging AWS Nitro System's built-in memory capture feature (for supported instance types). EBS snapshots are taken asynchronously and may not capture data in the OS page cache or uncommitted writes, so combining memory and disk snapshots provides a more complete forensic image.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Network and Cloud Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Memory dump of the instance — A memory dump of the EC2 instance captures RAM contents, including running processes, network connections, encryption keys, and other volatile data that is lost when the instance is terminated. This is critical for forensic analysis of live system state. An EBS snapshot preserves the root and data volumes, providing a point-in-time copy of the file system and persistent storage, which is also lost upon termination.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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