hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: During an incident response, a forensic analyst…
During an incident response, a forensic analyst captures a memory dump from a compromised server. Which of the following is the MOST important step to ensure the integrity of the evidence?
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 cryptographic hash of the memory dump before analysis
Creating a cryptographic hash of the memory dump immediately after capture is the most important step to ensure evidence integrity, as it provides a unique fingerprint to verify that the data has not been altered. Write blockers are used for storage media, not memory captures. Storing the dump on the same server risks modification or loss. Running antivirus is irrelevant and could alter the dump.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Create a cryptographic hash of the memory dump before analysis
Why this is correct
Hashing preserves integrity by allowing verification that the evidence has not been modified.
- ✗
Use a write blocker when capturing the memory dump
Why it's wrong here
Write blockers are for disk imaging, not memory capture; memory capture inherently does not write to disk.
- ✗
Store the memory dump on the same server for easy access
Why it's wrong here
Storing on the same server risks contamination if the server is compromised.
- ✗
Run antivirus on the memory dump file
Why it's wrong here
Running antivirus could alter the dump; integrity must be preserved before any analysis.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.