- A
Network connections, memory dump, disk image
Why wrong: Memory is more volatile than network connections, so it should be first.
- B
Disk image, network connections, memory dump
Why wrong: This reverses the order of volatility.
- C
Memory dump, network connections, disk image
This follows the order of volatility: memory is most volatile, then network state, then disk.
- D
Disk image, memory dump, network connections
Why wrong: Memory should be collected before disk because it is more volatile.
Question 396 of 1,000
SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of incident response and recovery. 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.
An incident responder is collecting evidence from a compromised server. Which of the following is the correct order for collecting volatile data?
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
✓
Memory dump, network connections, disk image
Option C is correct because volatile data must be collected in order of decreasing volatility: memory (RAM) is most volatile and lost on power loss, followed by network connections (ephemeral state), and finally disk image (persistent storage). This order ensures critical evidence like running processes, encryption keys, and active network sessions are captured before they disappear.
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.
- ✗
Network connections, memory dump, disk image
Why it's wrong here
Memory is more volatile than network connections, so it should be first.
- ✗
Disk image, network connections, memory dump
Why it's wrong here
This reverses the order of volatility.
- ✓
Memory dump, network connections, disk image
Why this is correct
This follows the order of volatility: memory is most volatile, then network state, then disk.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Disk image, memory dump, network connections
Why it's wrong here
Memory should be collected before disk because it is more volatile.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that disk imaging should be done first because it is the most stable evidence source, but the trap is that volatile data (memory and network state) is lost forever if not captured immediately, making the order of volatility the critical priority.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The order of volatility (OOV) principle, defined in RFC 3227, dictates that evidence be collected from most volatile to least: registers/cache, routing tables, ARP cache, process table, kernel statistics, memory, temporary file systems, disk, remote logs, physical configuration, and archival media. In practice, tools like `dd` for memory acquisition (e.g., LiME or WinPmem) must be run before `netstat` or `tcpdump` for network connections, and before `dd` for disk imaging, to avoid overwriting or losing transient data.
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 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.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Incident Response and Recovery — This question tests Incident Response and Recovery — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Memory dump, network connections, disk image — Option C is correct because volatile data must be collected in order of decreasing volatility: memory (RAM) is most volatile and lost on power loss, followed by network connections (ephemeral state), and finally disk image (persistent storage). This order ensures critical evidence like running processes, encryption keys, and active network sessions are captured before they disappear.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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