What are common forms of volatile data?

Volatile data refers to information that is temporarily stored in system memory and becomes inaccessible when the power is turned off or the system is rebooted. Cache and RAM are both examples of volatile memory, as they hold data that can change rapidly and is only retained while the machine is powered on. When a computer is shut down, the data in RAM and cache is lost, making it a prime target for forensic analysis during live investigations or during incident response efforts.

The other types of options listed consist of data that is written and stored persistently. Emails stored on servers, files saved to hard drives, and documents on removable storage devices are all examples of non-volatile data. This kind of data remains intact even after the system is powered off. Understanding the distinction between volatile and non-volatile data is crucial for cybersecurity professionals, especially when assessing the integrity and state of a system during investigations.