SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
Which of the following is the FIRST step in the volatile evidence collection order when responding to an incident on a live system?
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 RAM dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture or WinPmem
Volatile evidence is collected starting with the most volatile (memory) to preserve data that can be lost when the system is powered down. RAM dump must be done first.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Capture a RAM dump using a tool like Magnet RAM Capture or WinPmem
Why this is correct
Memory is the most volatile; capturing it first preserves running processes, network connections, and encryption keys.
- ✗
Disconnect the system from the network
Why it's wrong here
Network isolation is important but memory capture should be done first to capture network state.
- ✗
Run antivirus scans to identify malware
Why it's wrong here
Running tools on a live system alters evidence; memory capture should precede any analysis.
- ✗
Create a forensic image of the hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive imaging is less volatile and should be done after memory capture.
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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.