- A
Hard disk, memory, network connections, running processes
Why wrong: Hard disk is the least volatile and should be last.
- B
Network connections, running processes, memory, hard disk
Why wrong: Network connections are less volatile than memory or processes.
- C
Running processes, memory, network connections, hard disk
Why wrong: Processes are volatile but memory should be captured first as it contains process information.
- D
Memory, running processes, network connections, hard disk
Memory is the most volatile and should be captured first.
Question 721 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: During an incident, the IR team needs to collect…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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 an incident, the IR team needs to collect volatile data. Which order should they follow?
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, running processes, network connections, hard disk
Option D is correct because volatile data must be collected in order of decreasing volatility to minimize data loss. Memory (RAM) is the most volatile, followed by running processes, network connections, and finally the hard disk, which is non-volatile. This order ensures that transient evidence (e.g., encryption keys, active network sessions) 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.
- ✗
Hard disk, memory, network connections, running processes
Why it's wrong here
Hard disk is the least volatile and should be last.
- ✗
Network connections, running processes, memory, hard disk
Why it's wrong here
Network connections are less volatile than memory or processes.
- ✗
Running processes, memory, network connections, hard disk
Why it's wrong here
Processes are volatile but memory should be captured first as it contains process information.
- ✓
Memory, running processes, network connections, hard disk
Why this is correct
Memory is the most volatile and should be captured first.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the order of volatility (OOV) principle, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think running processes are more volatile than memory, or they confuse the order by prioritizing network connections over process state.
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 data that changes most quickly. Memory (RAM) holds kernel objects, encryption keys, and active network sockets; tools like `dd` or `FTK Imager` are used to acquire it. In a real-world scenario, failing to capture memory first could lose evidence of a rootkit or active malware injection that only exists in RAM.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Memory, running processes, network connections, hard disk — Option D is correct because volatile data must be collected in order of decreasing volatility to minimize data loss. Memory (RAM) is the most volatile, followed by running processes, network connections, and finally the hard disk, which is non-volatile. This order ensures that transient evidence (e.g., encryption keys, active network sessions) 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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