Forensic Readiness and Investigation

5 minutes 5 Questions

Forensic readiness and investigation involve the preparation and capacity of an organization to properly collect, preserve, analyze, and present digital evidence during and after security incidents. This concept aims to ensure that digital evidence collected is admissible in legal proceedings and can contribute to determining the nature, extent, and impact of security incidents. Organizations need to establish policies, procedures, and tools to capture and preserve digital evidence, such as log files, system images, and other data sources. Furthermore, forensic investigations may involve collaboration with law enforcement, external experts, and other stakeholders to identify, apprehend, and prosecute cybercriminals.

Guide: Forensic Readiness and Investigation

Forensic Readiness and Investigation are key aspects within the security audit and monitoring domain covered in the CISSP exam.

What is Forensic Readiness and Investigation?
This refers to the ability and preparation of an organization to carry out a forensic investigation, including evidence gathering and preservation, in the event of a security incident. It involves having robust policies, procedures, and resources ready to respond effectively to security incidents.

Why is it Important?
The importance of Forensic Readiness and Investigation lies in its ability to provide a systematic approach to respond to a security breach. By doing so, it aids in determining the cause of the breach, identifying the perpetrators, and collecting evidence that is legally admissible.

How It Works?
The process begins with the identification and evaluation of potential security incidents. Once a problem is identified, a team of forensic experts is dispatched to gather and preserve evidence, ensuring it remains intact and unchanged. The gathered data is then analyzed to ascertain the cause and extent of the breach.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Forensic Readiness and Investigation
It is important to understand the key concepts and procedures involved in Forensic Readiness and Investigation.
Tip #1: Remember the goal is not just to restore operations, but also to determine what happened and hold accountable those responsible.
Tip #2: Understand the importance of the chain of custody in evidence collection and the role of proper documentation.
Tip #3: Be aware that in an exam scenario, preservation of evidence is a top priority over restoring the system to its pre-incident state.

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Question 1

A company's server has been compromised in a ransomware attack. What should the FIRST step be in investigating the incident?

Restore the server from a backup Pay the ransom to the attacker Reinstall the compromised operating system Isolate the affected server

Correct Answer: Isolate the affected server

Isolating the server prevents further harm and contamination of evidence. Other options are either reactive, impractical, or should be considered later in the investigation.

Question 2

An employee's computer is suspected to have been involved in a data breach. Which of the following steps should be taken FIRST?

Disconnect the computer from the network Start analyzing the system right away Safely document and preserve the state of the system Notify other employees of the breach

Correct Answer: Disconnect the computer from the network

When dealing with a suspected data breach, the first and most critical step is to disconnect the affected computer from the network. This action is crucial because it immediately stops any ongoing unauthorized access, prevents further data exfiltration, and halts potential spread of malware to other systems. By isolating the compromised system, you preserve the current state of evidence and prevent remote attackers from altering or destroying potential evidence. This step also protects other networked devices from potential infection. Only after the system is isolated can you safely proceed with documenting and analyzing the system's state, ensuring that the evidence remains intact and unaltered. Other steps like notifying employees or analyzing the system should only be taken after the initial containment is achieved through disconnection.

Question 3

A digital forensics investigator wants to produce admissible evidence by maintaining a clear chain of custody. Which of the following is MOST important?

Limiting the number of personnel who handle the evidence Documenting every step of the evidence handling process Ensuring the evidence is kept in the same location as other evidence Submitting the evidence to a digital forensics agency

Correct Answer: Documenting every step of the evidence handling process

Maintaining a clear chain of custody means documenting every step of the evidence handling process. The other options either have no direct relevance to the chain of custody or are not in line with best practices.

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