The answer is to photograph the screen to capture the current state, as this is the first critical step in first responder procedures for digital forensics. This action is correct because RAM contains volatile data—such as running processes, open network connections, and encryption keys—that is lost the instant power is removed; photographing the screen preserves a snapshot of this transient evidence before any acquisition tool like FTK Imager or dd is used. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of the order of volatility, a core principle that prioritizes capturing volatile memory before powering down the system. A common trap is to immediately pull the plug, which destroys RAM data, or to start copying files without documenting the live state. Remember the mnemonic “Photo First, Then Pull” to ensure you never skip this vital preservation step.
CHFI Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process Practice Question
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 crime scene where a computer is running. Which THREE actions should the first responder take to preserve volatile evidence?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Collect contents of RAM using a tool like FTK Imager or dd
Option A is correct because RAM contains volatile data that is lost when power is removed. FTK Imager or dd can capture the exact contents of memory, preserving running processes, open network connections, encryption keys, and other transient evidence critical to the investigation.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Collect contents of RAM using a tool like FTK Imager or dd
Why this is correct
Memory contains volatile data critical for investigation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Unplug the power cord immediately
Why it's wrong here
This destroys volatile data.
✓
Record active network connections using netstat
Why this is correct
Network connections are volatile and should be captured.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the system
Why it's wrong here
Running software modifies the system and destroys volatile evidence.
✓
Photograph the screen to capture current state
Why this is correct
Visual documentation of open windows, processes, etc.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that immediately cutting power is the safest action, but the trap is that this destroys the most volatile evidence (RAM) and can corrupt the filesystem, whereas a proper forensic response prioritizes capturing memory first.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Volatile evidence resides in RAM and is lost within seconds to minutes after power loss due to capacitor discharge. Tools like FTK Imager use the winpmem driver or Linux /dev/mem to access physical memory, while dd can capture a raw bit-for-bit image. In real-world scenarios, capturing RAM can reveal malware that hides in memory (e.g., rootkits) and decrypted data that never touches the disk.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — This question tests Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Collect contents of RAM using a tool like FTK Imager or dd — Option A is correct because RAM contains volatile data that is lost when power is removed. FTK Imager or dd can capture the exact contents of memory, preserving running processes, open network connections, encryption keys, and other transient evidence critical to the investigation.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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 first responder arrives at a suspected data breach scene. The system is powered on and a user is logged in. Which of the following actions should the responder take FIRST to preserve volatile data?
medium
A.Document the scene and take photographs, then proceed to interview witnesses.
B.Immediately disconnect the network cable and power off the computer.
✓ C.Collect volatile data such as RAM, network connections, and running processes using appropriate tools.
D.Use a hardware write-blocker to create a forensic image of the hard drive.
Why C: The first responder should capture volatile data (RAM, network connections, running processes) before powering off. Using a write-blocker to image the hard drive is done after capturing volatile data.
Variation 2. A first responder arrives at a scene where a computer is suspected to contain evidence of fraud. The computer is turned on and a file is open. Which of the following actions should the responder AVOID?
medium
A.Photographing the screen and documenting open windows.
✓ B.Double-clicking the open file to fully view its contents.
C.Noting the time and date from the system clock.
D.Using a hardware write blocker to image the hard drive after shutdown.
Why B: Double-clicking files changes file access times and may modify data, which should be avoided to preserve evidence integrity.
Variation 3. A first responder arrives at a crime scene where a computer is powered on and displaying a desktop. According to best practices, which of the following actions should the responder take FIRST?
easy
A.Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to check for active user sessions.
B.Connect a write blocker and begin imaging the hard drive.
C.Unplug the power cord immediately to preserve volatile data.
✓ D.Photograph the scene and the computer screen.
Why D: The first responder should photograph the scene and all visible evidence before any actions that might alter the state. This preserves a visual record of the original condition.
Variation 4. A first responder arrives at a crime scene where a computer is running. According to standard forensic procedure, what should the responder do FIRST?
easy
✓ A.Photograph the scene and secure the area
B.Connect a write blocker and create a forensic image immediately
C.Immediately shut down the computer to prevent data alteration
D.Pull the power cord to ensure the system does not shut down normally
Why A: Option A is correct because the first priority at a live crime scene is to preserve the integrity of the scene and all potential evidence. Standard forensic procedure (e.g., from NIST SP 800-86 and ACPO guidelines) mandates that the first responder must photograph the scene to document the state of the computer (including screen contents, cables, and peripherals) and secure the area to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. Only after this documentation and scene stabilization can the responder proceed to handle the live system, such as capturing volatile data or creating a forensic image.
Variation 5. A first responder arrives at a crime scene where a computer is turned on. What should the responder do FIRST?
easy
A.Run antivirus software to check for malware
B.Immediately disconnect the power cord
C.Copy all files from the hard drive
✓ D.Photograph the scene and document everything
Why D: Option D is correct because the first priority at a live crime scene is to preserve the state of the evidence through proper documentation and photography. This ensures an accurate record of the computer's condition, including screen contents, peripheral connections, and environmental context, before any volatile data is lost or altered. The CHFI methodology emphasizes that documentation precedes any seizure or data acquisition steps to maintain chain of custody and evidentiary integrity.
Variation 6. A first responder arrives at a suspected intrusion scene. A desktop computer is powered on and logged in. The user claims they saw suspicious files being copied to a USB drive. Which of the following should the first responder do FIRST?
medium
✓ A.Capture volatile data such as memory and running processes.
B.Power off the computer immediately to prevent further data loss.
C.Photograph the scene and document everything in a notebook.
D.Create a forensic image of the hard drive using a write blocker.
Why A: The first priority is to preserve volatile data (e.g., memory, running processes) which may be lost if the system is powered off. Photographing the scene and documenting are important but come after securing volatile data.
Variation 7. 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?
medium
A.Immediately pull the power cord to preserve the hard drive
B.Place the system in a Faraday bag and transport to lab
C.Take photos and then shut down normally
✓ D.Collect volatile data using tools like FTK Imager or dd
Why D: 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.
Variation 8. A first responder arrives at a scene where a computer is powered on and the user is present. According to standard forensic first responder procedures, what should the responder do FIRST?
easy
✓ A.Photograph the scene and document the system state
B.Boot the system from a forensic USB to create a memory dump
C.Immediately disconnect the power cord to preserve the hard drive
D.Ask the user to log out so the system can be powered off safely
Why A: Option A is correct because the first priority at a live scene is to preserve volatile evidence and establish a chain of custody. Photographing the scene and documenting the system state (e.g., running processes, open network connections, logged-in users) captures critical volatile data before any action is taken. This aligns with the order of volatility (RFC 3227), which mandates capturing memory and system state before altering the system.
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