The correct order for volatile data collection during an incident is memory, running processes, network connections, then hard disk. This sequence follows the principle of decreasing volatility, which dictates that the most transient evidence must be captured first to prevent irreversible loss. Memory (RAM) holds active encryption keys, passwords, and currently executing code that vanish the instant power is lost, making it the highest priority. Running processes and network connections follow because their state changes rapidly—processes can terminate, and active sessions can close—while the hard disk is non-volatile and can be imaged later without immediate risk of decay. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of forensic soundness and evidence preservation; a common trap is collecting the hard disk first, which destroys volatile data. A reliable memory tip is the acronym “MPNH” (Memory, Processes, Network, Hard disk), which you can recall as “My Processes Never Halt.”
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 an incident, the IR team needs to collect volatile data. Which order should they follow?
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.
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, 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.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. During incident response, a team member uses a tool to capture memory from a compromised Windows system. Which of the following best describes the order of volatility?
medium
✓ A.Network connections, memory, disk
B.Disk, memory, network
C.Memory, network, disk
D.Memory, disk, network connections
Why A: Option A is correct because the order of volatility dictates that the most volatile data (network connections) should be captured first, followed by memory, and finally disk. Network connections change constantly and are lost when the system is powered off, while memory (RAM) persists until power loss, and disk is the least volatile as it retains data even after shutdown. This sequence ensures critical evidence is preserved before it disappears.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
Question Discussion
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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
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