CHFI Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of computer forensics fundamentals and process. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 best practices for a first responder when arriving at a computer crime scene?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
✓
Photograph the entire scene, including the computer screen and connections
Option A is correct because photographing the entire scene, including the computer screen and connections, preserves a visual record of the state of the evidence before any changes are made. This documentation is critical for establishing the chain of custody and proving that the evidence was not tampered with. It also captures the exact configuration of cables and peripherals, which can be vital for later 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.
✓
Photograph the entire scene, including the computer screen and connections
Why this is correct
Thorough documentation is critical for preserving the scene.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Disconnect the computer from the network to prevent remote tampering
Why this is correct
Disconnecting prevents remote attackers from altering evidence.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Turn off the computer immediately to prevent remote access
Why it's wrong here
Powering off destroys volatile evidence; it should only be done if volatile memory has been captured.
✗
Boot the computer from a forensic CD to preview the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Booting from a CD may alter the system; a write blocker should be used, and booting should be avoided until proper acquisition.
✓
Collect volatile data such as RAM if the computer is on
Why this is correct
Volatile data must be collected before any power-down.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "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 powering off a computer is a safe first step, when in fact it destroys volatile evidence and can corrupt the file system, making forensic recovery harder.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Volatile data collection (Option E) typically involves capturing RAM contents using tools like `dd` or `FTK Imager` via a live response, as RAM contains encryption keys, running processes, and network connections that vanish on power loss. Network disconnection (Option B) is performed by physically unplugging the Ethernet cable or disabling the wireless interface (e.g., `ifconfig down`) to prevent remote attackers from deleting or encrypting data. The order of volatility (RFC 3227) dictates that registers, cache, and RAM must be collected before powering down.
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: Photograph the entire scene, including the computer screen and connections — Option A is correct because photographing the entire scene, including the computer screen and connections, preserves a visual record of the state of the evidence before any changes are made. This documentation is critical for establishing the chain of custody and proving that the evidence was not tampered with. It also captures the exact configuration of cables and peripherals, which can be vital for later 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: "best", "first". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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