The correct answer is to generate a cryptographic hash of the dump before analysis. This practice best maintains data integrity because a cryptographic hash, such as SHA-256, produces a unique fixed-size fingerprint of the original data; any subsequent alteration to the memory dump, even a single bit, will result in a completely different hash value when recomputed, immediately flagging tampering. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish integrity controls from confidentiality or monitoring measures—a common trap is confusing encryption (which protects confidentiality) with hashing (which protects integrity). Remember that while encryption scrambles data, hashing seals it; think of the hash as a tamper-proof digital wax seal on a document. A quick memory tip: “Hash for hash marks—if it changes, the evidence is broken.”
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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 response, a forensics analyst captures a memory dump from a compromised server. The analyst needs to ensure the dump is not altered during analysis. Which practice best maintains integrity?
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
✓
Generate a cryptographic hash of the dump before analysis
Creating a cryptographic hash (e.g., SHA-256) of the original dump and verifying it before and after analysis ensures integrity. Option D is correct. Option A (encryption) protects confidentiality, not integrity. Option B (log access) is about monitoring. Option C (chain of custody) documents handling but doesn't prevent alteration by itself.
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.
✗
Encrypt the memory dump file
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects confidentiality, but does not detect modifications.
✗
Maintain a chain of custody log
Why it's wrong here
Chain of custody documents the evidence handling but does not verify data integrity.
✗
Restrict access to the dump to authorized personnel only
Why it's wrong here
Access control reduces risk but does not provide integrity verification.
✓
Generate a cryptographic hash of the dump before analysis
Why this is correct
A hash allows subsequent verification that the data has not been altered.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" 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
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Generate a cryptographic hash of the dump before analysis — Creating a cryptographic hash (e.g., SHA-256) of the original dump and verifying it before and after analysis ensures integrity. Option D is correct. Option A (encryption) protects confidentiality, not integrity. Option B (log access) is about monitoring. Option C (chain of custody) documents handling but doesn't prevent alteration by itself.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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.
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Question Discussion
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