Quick Answer
The answer is First response. This is a critical step in the forensic investigation process because it involves the initial securing and documentation of the scene, ensuring that digital evidence is preserved in its original state before any analysis begins. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this concept tests your understanding of the entire investigation lifecycle, from identification through reporting, and often appears as a distractor where candidates confuse early triage actions with later analytical phases. A common trap is selecting "Analysis" as a step here, but remember that analysis occurs after acquisition and preservation; the first response is the foundational step that prevents evidence spoliation. To recall the sequence, use the mnemonic "First, Find, Fix, Follow" — First response, then find evidence, fix the chain of custody, and follow proper procedures.
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.
Which THREE of the following are steps in the forensic investigation process? (Select three.)
Analysis
Analysis is a core step.
Sentencing
Why wrong: Sentencing is a court proceeding, not part of the investigation.
Reporting
Reporting is the final step.
First response
First response is the initial step.
Deletion of irrelevant data
Why wrong: Deletion is not a step in the process.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Analysis
Analysis is a core phase in the forensic investigation process where collected data is examined to identify evidence, reconstruct events, and draw conclusions. This step involves techniques such as file carving, hash verification, and timeline analysis to uncover relevant artifacts from acquired images.
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.
Analysis
Why this is correct
Analysis is a core step.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Sentencing
Why it's wrong here
Sentencing is a court proceeding, not part of the investigation.
Reporting
Why this is correct
Reporting is the final step.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
First response
Why this is correct
First response is the initial step.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Deletion of irrelevant data
Why it's wrong here
Deletion is not a step in the process.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between the forensic investigation process and the broader legal or judicial process, leading candidates to mistakenly include post-investigation actions like sentencing as a forensic step.
Detailed technical explanation
The forensic process typically follows a structured model such as the NIST SP 800-86 framework, which includes collection, examination, analysis, and reporting. During analysis, tools like EnCase or FTK are used to perform keyword searches, recover deleted files via MFT parsing, and correlate timestamps from $LogFile or $UsnJrnl to build a timeline of user activity.
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.
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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: Analysis — Analysis is a core phase in the forensic investigation process where collected data is examined to identify evidence, reconstruct events, and draw conclusions. This step involves techniques such as file carving, hash verification, and timeline analysis to uncover relevant artifacts from acquired images.
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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