- A
Disk image, memory dump, process list, network connections
Why wrong: Disk is non-volatile and should be collected after volatile data.
- B
Memory dump, network connections, process list, disk image
Correct. Memory is the most volatile data.
- C
Process list, memory dump, disk image, network connections
Why wrong: Memory should be first.
- D
Network connections, memory dump, process list, disk image
Why wrong: Memory is most volatile and should be captured first.
Question 654 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.
During a forensic investigation, a responder must collect evidence from a live Windows system. Which of the following represents 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, process list, disk image
Option B is correct because volatile data must be collected in order of decreasing volatility to avoid losing critical evidence. Memory (RAM) is the most volatile, followed by network connections and process lists (which change rapidly), and finally disk images (persistent storage). This order ensures that transient data is captured before it disappears.
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.
- ✗
Disk image, memory dump, process list, network connections
Why it's wrong here
Disk is non-volatile and should be collected after volatile data.
- ✓
Memory dump, network connections, process list, disk image
Why this is correct
Correct. Memory is the most volatile data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Process list, memory dump, disk image, network connections
Why it's wrong here
Memory should be first.
- ✗
Network connections, memory dump, process list, disk image
Why it's wrong here
Memory is most volatile and should be captured first.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often think disk imaging is the most critical step and should be done first, but the SSCP exam tests the principle that volatile data (memory) must be captured before any non-volatile collection to prevent evidence loss.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The order of volatility (OOV) is a forensic principle defined in RFC 3227, which prioritizes capturing CPU registers and cache first, then memory (RAM), then network state (e.g., netstat output), then running processes (e.g., tasklist), and finally disk. On a live Windows system, tools like winpmem for memory dump, netstat -ano for connections, and tasklist /v for processes are used. A real-world scenario: if a responder captures a disk image first, a rootkit in memory might hide malicious processes that terminate before the memory dump, losing evidence.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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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Incident Response and Recovery — study guide chapter
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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, process list, disk image — Option B is correct because volatile data must be collected in order of decreasing volatility to avoid losing critical evidence. Memory (RAM) is the most volatile, followed by network connections and process lists (which change rapidly), and finally disk images (persistent storage). This order ensures that transient data is captured before it disappears.
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
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.
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