The correct answer is to capture a memory dump using a forensic tool and then power off the server. Capturing a memory dump preserves volatile evidence such as running ransomware processes, network connections, and encryption keys stored in RAM, which would be lost on shutdown. Powering off the server immediately halts the active encryption process and prevents further communication with the command-and-control server, securing the encrypted disk state for later analysis. On the CHFI exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the order of volatility and incident response triage; a common trap is to prioritize disk imaging over memory capture, but volatile data is lost first. Remember the mnemonic “Memory before power” to recall that capturing RAM must always precede any shutdown action in ransomware evidence preservation.
CHFI Incident Response and First Responder Skills Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of incident response and first responder skills. 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 is responding to a ransomware incident on a Windows server. Which TWO actions should be performed to preserve evidence? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Power off the server to prevent further data encryption.
Option B is correct because powering off the server preserves the encrypted state of the disk and prevents the ransomware from continuing to encrypt additional files or communicate with its command-and-control server. In a ransomware incident, immediate shutdown halts the encryption process and preserves the volatile evidence on disk, such as the ransomware binary and encrypted files, for forensic analysis.
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.
✗
Run an antivirus scan to remove the ransomware.
Why it's wrong here
Running AV alters the system and may destroy evidence.
✓
Power off the server to prevent further data encryption.
Why this is correct
Powering off stops the ransomware and preserves the disk state.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restore the system from backup to minimize downtime.
Why it's wrong here
Restoration destroys the current state and evidence.
✓
Capture a memory dump using a forensic tool.
Why this is correct
Memory contains encryption keys and running processes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disconnect the network cable immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Disconnecting may lose network evidence; should be done after memory capture.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'disconnecting the network' (Option E) as sufficient to stop encryption, but ransomware runs locally and continues encrypting until the process is terminated or the system is powered off.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Memory dump capture (Option D) is critical because ransomware often operates entirely in memory (e.g., using process hollowing or DLL injection) and may not persist to disk; a memory dump using tools like WinPmem or DumpIt preserves the encryption keys, process handles, and network connections active at the time of capture. In real-world scenarios, such as the Ryuk ransomware, memory analysis can reveal the encryption key before it is wiped, enabling potential decryption without paying the ransom.
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.
Incident Response and First Responder Skills — This question tests Incident Response and First Responder Skills — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Power off the server to prevent further data encryption. — Option B is correct because powering off the server preserves the encrypted state of the disk and prevents the ransomware from continuing to encrypt additional files or communicate with its command-and-control server. In a ransomware incident, immediate shutdown halts the encryption process and preserves the volatile evidence on disk, such as the ransomware binary and encrypted files, for forensic analysis.
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.
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Question Discussion
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