Valid Justifications for First Responders to Power Off a Computer
Which TWO of the following are valid justifications for a first responder to power off a computer at a crime scene? (Select TWO)
Quick Answer
The answer is two valid justifications: the computer is in a hazardous environment, such as flooding, or it is actively running a data wiping program. These are correct because a first responder must power off a computer to prevent imminent physical damage to the hardware or to halt the irreversible destruction of evidence on non-volatile storage. In the case of a data wiping tool, cutting power stops the active overwriting of sectors, preserving remaining data that would otherwise be lost forever—volatile memory is secondary here. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of when evidence preservation overrides the need to capture live system state, a critical distinction in first responder protocol. A common trap is assuming you should always capture RAM first; instead, prioritize stopping active destruction or physical threats. Memory tip: think “HALT the HARM”—Hazardous environment or Active wiping program justify the power-off.
⚠ Common exam trap
EC-Council often tests the distinction between 'actively being used to commit a crime' (which requires live acquisition) and 'actively destroying evidence' (which justifies immediate power-off), causing candidates to mistakenly select Option E as a valid justification.
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
✓
The computer is destroying evidence (e.g., running a data wiping program)
If a computer is actively running a data wiping program (e.g., a tool that overwrites storage sectors with zeros or random data), leaving it powered on will cause the irreversible destruction of potential evidence. A first responder must immediately cut power to halt the wiping process and preserve the remaining data, as volatile memory (RAM) is not the primary concern in this scenario—the non-volatile storage is being actively sanitized.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
To prevent the computer from overheating
Why it's wrong here
Overheating is not a common justification; proper cooling should be arranged.
- ✗
To save time during the investigation
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid justification; integrity is paramount.
- ✓
The computer is destroying evidence (e.g., running a data wiping program)
Why this is correct
Powering off can stop the destruction, but ideally capture volatile data first if possible.
- ✓
The computer is in a hazardous environment (e.g., flooding)
Why this is correct
Safety risks may necessitate powering off to prevent electrical hazards.
- ✗
The computer is actively being used to commit a crime
Why it's wrong here
If actively used, you may need to capture volatile data first, not power off.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CHFI
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. Which TWO of the following are valid reasons for a first responder to power off a computer system at a crime scene? (Select TWO)
medium- A.To save time during the investigation
- B.To make it easier to transport the system
- ✓ C.When the system is actively destroying evidence (e.g., a data wiping program is running)
- D.To prevent the destruction of volatile data by allowing it to be captured before shutdown
- ✓ E.When the system is a potential threat to first responders (e.g., a bomb or hazardous environment)
Why C: If a system is actively running a data wiping program (e.g., a tool that overwrites sectors with zeros or random data per the Gutmann method or DoD 5220.22-M standard), immediate power-off is the only way to halt the destruction of evidence before it becomes unrecoverable. Pulling the power cord (hard shutdown) stops the wiping process in its tracks, preserving any data that has not yet been overwritten.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.