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CCSP Practice Question: A security analyst is investigating a data breach…
A security analyst is investigating a data breach in a cloud environment. The analyst needs to preserve evidence for legal proceedings. Which of the following actions is most critical to ensure the chain of custody is maintained?
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
✓
Begin a detailed log documenting all actions, timestamps, and personnel involved.
Chain of custody requires meticulous documentation of every action taken with evidence. Option C is most critical because maintaining a detailed log of actions, timestamps, and personnel involved directly supports the chain of custody. Option A is important for integrity but does not document the chain of custody. Option B may preserve data but does not document handling. Option D is necessary but procedural; documenting the investigation is more critical for custody.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Calculate cryptographic hashes of all relevant files.
Why it's wrong here
Hashing ensures integrity but does not document the custody trail.
- ✗
Isolate all affected systems from the network to prevent further data loss.
Why it's wrong here
Isolating systems may destroy volatile evidence and should be done with caution.
- ✓
Begin a detailed log documenting all actions, timestamps, and personnel involved.
Why this is correct
This is the first step in establishing chain of custody.
- ✗
Immediately notify senior management and legal counsel.
Why it's wrong here
Notifying management is important but does not directly address chain of custody documentation.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.