Volatile vs Non-Volatile Data Acquisition

Lesson 17/47 | Study Time: 20 Min

Course: Computer and Cyber Forensics Professional – Course

Volatile vs non-volatile data acquisition represents a fundamental distinction in computer and cyber forensics, where volatile data risks immediate loss upon power cycle while non-volatile data persists reliably on storage media.

This prioritization guides investigators to capture ephemeral evidence like RAM contents first, followed by stable disk images, ensuring comprehensive coverage without unnecessary system disruption.

Understanding these categories enables efficient, forensically sound strategies tailored to incident urgency and system constraints.

Defining Volatile and Non-Volatile Data

Volatile data exists only in active memory and powered states, vanishing with shutdowns or crashes. Non-volatile data remains intact on physical storage regardless of power status.

Note: Volatility classification follows a hierarchy, dictating acquisition order to preserve time-sensitive clues.

1. Volatile data: RAM, CPU caches, running processes, network connections, mounted volumes.

2. Non-volatile data: Hard drives, SSDs, USBs, file systems, persistent logs.

This hierarchy ensures critical runtime artifacts survive for analysis.

Volatile Data Acquisition Techniques

Live systems demand rapid, minimal-impact capture to avoid altering evidence.

Note: Performed on running endpoints/servers; tools minimize footprint.

1. Memory dumping: Tools like Volatility or WinPMEM create RAM images for process/malware analysis.

2. Process and service enumeration: netstat, pslist capture running executables, command lines.

3. Network state: Capture open connections, ARP tables, listening ports via scripts.

4. System state: Screenshots, clipboard contents, mounted drives lists.

5. Sequence: RAM first (highest volatility), then processes/network, before shutdown. Agents like Velociraptor automate across fleets.

Non-Volatile Data Acquisition Methods

Stable media allows methodical imaging post-volatiles.

Note: Dead acquisition preferred for integrity; uses write-blockers.

1. Full disk imaging: Bit-for-bit copies (dd, FTK Imager) including unallocated space.

2. Logical extraction: Active files/logs only (faster for large drives).

3. Partition-specific: Target volumes via mount points.

Verification: SHA-256 hashes match source/copy; document tools/parameters.

Strategic Acquisition Order (Volatility Tiers)

Follow established tiers to optimize preservation.

Note: Based on NIST/SANS models, tier 1 loses fastest.

Tier 1 (Highest volatility): Physical memory, CPU registers.

Tier 2: Network connections, running processes.

Tier 3: Disk caches, swap files.

Tier 4: Persistent storage (HDD/SSD).

Workflow: Live response → Power down → Image non-volatiles. Servers may require hybrid (live volatiles + hot-swap disks).

Challenges and Best Practices

Each category presents unique hurdles addressed through preparation.

Note: Balance completeness with minimal alteration.

Pitfalls: Shutdown without volatiles (loses malware hooks), incomplete hashes.

Integration in Full Investigations

Volatile data reveals runtime attacks (injected DLLs, C2 channels); non-volatile provides persistence (dropped files, timelines). Correlate via timestamps—RAM process start matches prefetch artifacts.

In ransomware scenarios: Volatile network connections trace C2; non-volatile $LogFile shows encryption sequence. Modern tools blend tiers seamlessly, but principles ensure defensibility.

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Class Sessions

1- Evolution of Digital Crime and Cyber Forensics 2- Key Terminology and Scope 3- Digital Evidence Lifecycle and Forensic Principles 4- Legal, Regulatory, and Standards Context 5- Roles and Career Paths in Computer and Cyber Forensics 6- Structured Digital Investigation Methodologies 7- Scoping and Planning an Investigation 8- Evidence Sources in Enterprise Environments 9- Documentation, Case Notes, and Evidence Tracking 10- Working with Multidisciplinary Teams 11- Computer and Storage Architecture for Investigators 12- File System Structures and Artifacts 13- File and Artifact Recovery 14- Common User-Activity Artifacts 15- Principles of Forensically Sound Acquisition 16- Acquisition Strategies 17- Volatile vs Non-Volatile Data Acquisition 18- Handling Encrypted and Locked Systems 19- Evidence Handling, Transport, and Storage 20- Windows Forensics Essentials 21- Linux and Unix-Like System Forensics 22- macOS and Modern Desktop Environments 23- Memory Forensics Concepts 24- Timeline Construction Using OS and Memory Artifacts 25- Network Forensics Fundamentals 26- Enterprise Logging and Telemetry 27- Cloud Forensics (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) 28- Email and Messaging Investigations 29- Timeline Building from Heterogeneous Logs 30- Modern Malware and Ransomware Landscape 31- Malware Forensics Concepts 32- Host-Level Artifacts of Compromise 33- Ransomware Incident Artifacts 34- Dark Web and Anonymous Network Forensics 35- Common Anti-Forensics Techniques 36- Detection of Anti-Forensics 37- Countering Anti-Forensics 38- Resilient Evidence Collection Strategies 39- Incident Response Frameworks and Phases 40- Forensics-Driven Incident Response 41- Threat Hunting Linked with Forensics 42- Post-Incident Activities 43- Forensic Report Structure 44- Writing for Multiple Audiences 45- Presenting and Defending Findings 46- Ethics, Confidentiality, and Professional Conduct 47- Continuous Learning and Certification Pathways