Random-Access Memory (RAM)

Collecting RAM as evidence is a crucial step in digital forensics, involving the identification, capture, and preservation of volatile data stored in a computer's memory.

Key steps in collecting RAM as evidence:

1. Preparation: Ensure that the computer is powered on and running to access its live memory.
2. Documentation: Record information about the system, including hardware details, operating system, and running processes.
3. Tools: Use specialized forensics tools to capture the contents of RAM without altering the data.
4. Memory Imaging: Create a forensic image of the RAM to capture active processes, open files, and temporary data.
5. Verification: Verify the integrity of the acquired memory image through hash calculations and comparisons.
6. Analysis: Analyze the acquired RAM image to uncover information about user activities, running applications, and potentially malicious actions.
7. Documentation: Maintain a detailed chain of custody log to track the handling and movement of the collected RAM image.

Importance of collecting RAM as evidence:

• Real-Time Insight: RAM collection provides real-time information about active processes and system state.
• Investigation: Analyzing RAM can reveal evidence of ongoing activities, including open documents, communications, and running malware.
• Incident Response: RAM data aids in understanding the timeline and scope of security incidents.
• Timely Analysis: RAM contents change rapidly, making timely collection essential to capture valuable data.

Collecting RAM as evidence requires expertise, specialized tools, and careful procedures to ensure the integrity of the acquired data.