What kind of data is referred to as "volatile data"?

Volatile data refers to information that is temporarily held in a system and is lost when power is removed or the system is shut down. This type of data is typically stored in a computer's RAM (Random Access Memory) or any form of memory that requires power to maintain its state. Examples of volatile data include running processes, active network connections, and contents of memory that can provide insights into system activity at the time of examination.

Understanding the nature of volatile data is crucial in digital forensics, as it allows forensic analysts to capture critical information before it is lost. This is particularly important in incident response and forensic investigations, where the state of a device at the moment can provide valuable evidence related to a cybersecurity incident.

In contrast, data that is permanently stored, encrypted, or regularly backed up does not typically fall under the category of volatile data, as these can persist independently of power supply, making them retrievable even after a system is turned off.