The correct answer is to collect volatile data like memory contents and running processes before disconnecting the compromised server. This is because the order of volatility, as defined in RFC 3227, dictates that data stored in RAM, active network connections, and process tables is lost the instant power is removed or the network interface is disabled. On the CISM exam, this principle tests your understanding of forensic preservation during containment—a common trap is assuming disconnection is always the safest first step, when in fact it destroys critical evidence. The exam expects you to prioritize capturing volatile data first, then proceed with containment actions like pulling the plug. A useful memory tip is “RAM before the plug”—always snapshot memory and active processes before any power-down or network isolation.
CISM Incident Management Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. 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.
During an incident, the CIRT leader decides to contain a compromised server by disconnecting it from the network. However, this action may result in loss of volatile forensics data. What should the CIRT leader do?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Collect volatile data (memory, processes) before disconnecting
Option D is correct because volatile data (e.g., memory contents, running processes, network connections) is lost when power is removed or the network interface is disabled. The CIRT leader must follow the order of volatility (RFC 3227) and capture this data first to preserve forensic evidence before containment actions that alter the system state.
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.
✗
Proceed with disconnection immediately to prevent further damage
Why it's wrong here
Volatile data loss may hinder investigation.
✗
Keep the server connected but block all inbound/outbound traffic
Why it's wrong here
Blocking traffic may not fully contain the threat if the server is already compromised.
✗
Perform a full disk imaging before disconnection
Why it's wrong here
Imaging is important but volatile data is lost if system is shut down.
✓
Collect volatile data (memory, processes) before disconnecting
Why this is correct
This preserves forensic evidence while allowing containment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may prioritize containment speed (Option A) over forensic preservation, forgetting that volatile data is irrecoverable once the system is powered off or disconnected.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Volatile data collection typically involves tools like `dd` or `FTK Imager` for memory capture, `ps` for process lists, and `netstat` for active connections. The order of volatility (RFC 3227) dictates that CPU registers, routing tables, and ARP cache are collected before disk data. In a real-world scenario, an attacker may have a memory-resident rootkit that only exists in RAM; disconnecting without memory capture would lose that evidence entirely.
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 CISM 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Collect volatile data (memory, processes) before disconnecting — Option D is correct because volatile data (e.g., memory contents, running processes, network connections) is lost when power is removed or the network interface is disabled. The CIRT leader must follow the order of volatility (RFC 3227) and capture this data first to preserve forensic evidence before containment actions that alter the system state.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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