Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

Which evidence source contains the least volatile data, as it does not automatically change unless damaged?

1. Archival media

2. Processor cache

3. RAM

4. Network packets

The correct answer is: Archival media

The evidence source that contains the least volatile data is archival media. This type of storage is designed for long-term retention of data, allowing information to remain intact over extended periods unless there is physical damage to the media itself. Archival media typically includes items like magnetic tapes, optical discs, or other forms of offline storage where data is not susceptible to frequent changes or alterations. In contrast, the other options involve more volatile forms of data. For example, processor cache and RAM are both temporary storage areas that hold data and instructions currently in use by the system, and their contents can change rapidly as processes are executed and data is manipulated. Network packets also represent transient data that is captured during the transmission of information across the network, which can change in real time and is often lost once the transmission is complete. Thus, archival media stands out as the most stable and least volatile option, making it a reliable source for digital investigations where long-term preservation and data integrity are paramount.