CCSP Cloud Security Operations Practice Question
During a cloud security incident, the response team needs to collect evidence from a compromised AWS EC2 instance. Which method is most appropriate for capturing volatile data while preserving forensic integrity?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common trap is that while SSH access does alter system state, in cloud environments remote memory acquisition via SSH is often the only feasible method to capture volatile data. Candidates may incorrectly rule out this option due to strict forensic standards, but it is the most appropriate choice given the constraints.
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
✓
Create a memory dump by SSH and save to S3
The most appropriate method for capturing volatile data (memory) from a compromised EC2 instance. Using SSH to perform a memory dump (e.g., via LiME or fmem) and saving the output to S3 captures RAM contents, which is volatile and critical for incident response. While SSH access alters system state, it is the standard approach for remote memory acquisition when direct physical access is unavailable. Option C (EBS snapshot) captures persistent storage, not volatile memory, so it is incorrect for the stated requirement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Terminate the instance and launch a replacement
Why it's wrong here
Termination destroys evidence.
- ✓
Create a memory dump by SSH and save to S3
Why this is correct
Correct. A memory dump captures volatile data (RAM), and SSH is a common remote access method for initiating the dump. Saving to S3 provides secure storage. Although SSH modifies state, it is the best practical option for volatile data capture in cloud environments.
- ✗
Take an EBS snapshot of the instance's volumes
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. An EBS snapshot captures the contents of persistent volumes (disk), not volatile memory. It does not satisfy the requirement to capture volatile data.
- ✗
Reboot the instance and collect logs
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting may destroy volatile data such as memory contents.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
Go deeper
Related to this question
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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.