- A
Disconnect the system from the network
Why wrong: Network isolation is a containment step, but evidence preservation should be prioritized.
- B
Capture a memory dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture
Correct. Memory contains volatile evidence that is lost when power is removed.
- C
Create a forensic image of the hard drive
Why wrong: Hard drive imaging is important but volatile data should be collected first.
- D
Run an antivirus scan to remove malware
Why wrong: Running AV can modify evidence; it should be avoided during initial forensics.
Question 534 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 organization's security team detects a potential data breach. After confirming the incident, they classify it as P2 (high severity) and begin containment. Which action should be performed FIRST to preserve evidence for forensic analysis?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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
✓
Capture a memory dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture
When a high-severity incident (P2) is confirmed, the first priority for forensic preservation is capturing volatile data, which includes system memory (RAM). A memory dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture preserves running processes, network connections, encryption keys, and malware in memory that would be lost on shutdown or disconnection. This order follows the volatility principle: capture the most volatile data first before any other action that could alter the system state.
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.
- ✗
Disconnect the system from the network
Why it's wrong here
Network isolation is a containment step, but evidence preservation should be prioritized.
- ✓
Capture a memory dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture
Why this is correct
Correct. Memory contains volatile evidence that is lost when power is removed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a forensic image of the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive imaging is important but volatile data should be collected first.
- ✗
Run an antivirus scan to remove malware
Why it's wrong here
Running AV can modify evidence; it should be avoided during initial forensics.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose 'Disconnect the system from the network' first, thinking containment is the immediate priority, but the SSCP exam emphasizes that evidence preservation (starting with volatile data) must precede containment actions to avoid destroying forensic artifacts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Memory forensics relies on tools like Magnet RAM Capture or FTK Imager to dump the contents of physical RAM (typically via a kernel driver) without altering the system pagefile or registry. The order of volatility (RFC 3227) dictates that registers, cache, and memory must be captured before any persistent storage. In real-world breaches, attackers often use fileless malware that resides only in memory, making a memory dump the only way to capture the payload and its network indicators.
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.
- →
Incident Response and Recovery — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SSCP questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SSCP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SSCP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis.
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Cryptography practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
SSCP fundamentals practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
SSCP scenario practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
SSCP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SSCP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: Capture a memory dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture — When a high-severity incident (P2) is confirmed, the first priority for forensic preservation is capturing volatile data, which includes system memory (RAM). A memory dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture preserves running processes, network connections, encryption keys, and malware in memory that would be lost on shutdown or disconnection. This order follows the volatility principle: capture the most volatile data first before any other action that could alter the system state.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.