Question 591 of 976
Volatile Data Collection Order for Incident Response
In incident response, which TWO are considered volatile data that should be collected first? (Select exactly 2.)
Quick Answer
The answer is memory contents and network connections. These two are considered the most volatile data in incident response because they exist only while the system is actively running and are permanently lost the moment power is cut or the system is rebooted. Memory contents, such as running processes and open files, vanish instantly when the computer shuts down, while network connections represent active communication channels that disappear as soon as the network cable is unplugged or the system goes offline. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of the order of volatility, a core forensic principle that prioritizes collecting the most ephemeral evidence first to preserve it before it is destroyed. A common trap is to assume that hard drive data is more volatile, but it persists after power loss, making it less urgent. Remember the mnemonic “Memory and Networks Melt First” to recall that these two must be captured before anything else.
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between volatile and non-volatile data, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly classify system logs as volatile because they change frequently, but logs are stored on disk and are not lost on power-off, whereas network connections and memory are lost immediately.
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
✓
Network connections
Network connections (option B) are volatile because they represent active communication channels that disappear when the system is powered off or disconnected. In incident response, collecting network connection data (e.g., using netstat -an) first preserves evidence of ongoing malicious activity, such as command-and-control (C2) traffic or lateral movement, before it is lost.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Hard drive contents
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive data is non-volatile and can be imaged later.
- ✓
Network connections
Why this is correct
Active network connections are ephemeral and lost after reboot.
- ✗
Backup tapes
Why it's wrong here
Backups are non-volatile and offline.
- ✗
System logs
Why it's wrong here
Logs stored on disk are non-volatile.
- ✓
Memory contents
Why this is correct
Memory is lost immediately upon power loss.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CC
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. During an incident, an organization needs to preserve volatile data. Which of the following should be collected FIRST?
medium- A.Backup tapes
- ✓ B.Memory contents
- C.Hard drive contents
- D.Network logs
Why B: Volatile data is lost when the system loses power. Memory content is the most volatile.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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