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.
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.
Which THREE of the following are best practices for handling evidence during an incident investigation?
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.
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.
Option A is correct because 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.
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.
✓
Document all actions taken during evidence collection.
Why this is correct
Documentation ensures reproducibility and legal admissibility.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Maintain a chain of custody log.
Why this is correct
This documents who handled evidence and when.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Store evidence in its original location to avoid disturbance.
Why it's wrong here
Original location may be compromised; evidence should be secured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Forensic imaging typically uses tools like dd, FTK Imager, or EnCase to create a raw or EWF (Expert Witness Format) image, which includes unallocated space and slack space. The chain of custody log must record every transfer of custody with timestamps, signatures, and hash values (e.g., MD5 or SHA-256) to prove evidence integrity. In real-world scenarios, failure to document actions can lead to evidence being excluded under rules like the Daubert standard or Federal Rules of Evidence.
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: Document all actions taken during evidence collection. — Option A is correct because 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.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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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.
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