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Evidence Handling Best Practices for Incident Investigation
Which THREE of the following are best practices for handling evidence during an incident investigation?
Quick Answer
The answer is to create a forensic image of the affected systems, as this preserves the original data in a bit-for-bit copy, ensuring that the evidence remains unaltered for analysis. This practice is critical because any direct examination of live systems can modify metadata, timestamps, or file contents, breaking the chain of custody and rendering evidence inadmissible. On the Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam, this concept tests your understanding of forensic soundness and legal admissibility, often appearing in questions about incident response procedures. A common trap is confusing logical backups with forensic images—logical copies do not capture deleted files or slack space, while forensic images do. Remember the mnemonic "F.I.R.E.": Forensic Image, Integrity, Record, Examine—always image first before any live analysis to maintain evidentiary purity.
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse 'analyze evidence directly on live systems' (Option C) as acceptable for speed, but CISM emphasizes preservation of evidence integrity over expedience, and 'store evidence in its original location' (Option E) may seem logical but violates the principle of securing evidence in a controlled chain of custody.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Document all actions taken during evidence collection.
Documenting all actions taken during evidence collection ensures the integrity and admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings. This documentation, often referred to as a 'paper trail' or 'audit log,' must include timestamps, personnel involved, tools used, and any deviations from standard procedures. Without this, the chain of custody is weakened, and the evidence may be challenged as unreliable or tampered with.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Document all actions taken during evidence collection.
Why this is correct
Documentation ensures reproducibility and legal admissibility.
- ✓
Maintain a chain of custody log.
Why this is correct
This documents who handled evidence and when.
- ✗
Analyze evidence directly on live systems to avoid delays.
Why it's wrong here
Live analysis can alter evidence; imaging is preferred.
- ✓
Create a forensic image of the affected systems.
Why this is correct
Images preserve the state for analysis.
- ✗
Store evidence in its original location to avoid disturbance.
Why it's wrong here
Original location may be compromised; evidence should be secured.
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Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CISM question is part of Courseiva's 871-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CISM
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. Which TWO of the following are best practices for preserving digital evidence during an incident? (Select exactly 2)
easy- ✓ A.Create a forensic image of the hard drive using a write blocker
- ✓ B.Document the chain of custody
- C.Interview witnesses before collecting data
- D.Run antivirus scans on the affected system
- E.Reboot the system to clear memory
Why A: Creating a forensic image with a write blocker (Option A) is a best practice because it captures an exact bit-for-bit copy of the storage media without altering the original data. The write blocker intercepts write commands at the hardware or software level, ensuring the integrity of the evidence. This preserves the original state for later analysis and admissibility in legal proceedings.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISM practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISM exam.