Investigative Problem Solving Questions

Covers investigative approaches for complex or information constrained situations, such as incident response and forensic analysis. Topics include handling encrypted or partially corrupted data, dealing with fragmented or deleted artifacts, reconciling conflicting timelines, analyzing incomplete logs, performing multi location investigations, prioritizing limited leads, documenting assumptions, preserving chain of custody where relevant, and making defensible decisions under uncertainty. Candidates should demonstrate methodical evidence collection, hypothesis driven analysis, risk management, and clear explanation of trade offs and next steps.

MediumTechnical

22 practiced

During a ransomware outbreak, management insists on bringing critical systems back online quickly. With limited analysts available, outline a prioritized forensic triage plan that preserves evidence required for investigation and potential legal action, while permitting safe restoration where possible. Detail what quick artifacts you would capture per host, indicators that a host is safe to restore, and how you would document restoration actions and justification.

EasyTechnical

24 practiced

You are handling an incident with 12 affected endpoints, two confirmed data-exfil targets, and one executive's machine that may be targeted. You have two analysts and eight hours before executives demand an update. Provide a prioritized triage plan: which hosts you inspect or image first, what volatile and non-volatile artifacts you collect per host, evidence preservation steps, and what interim report you would deliver to stakeholders within the timeframe.

EasyTechnical

24 practiced

Walk through the technical process of recovering deleted files from an NTFS volume. Describe how deletion affects the Master File Table (MFT), $Bitmap, and $LogFile, explain where file contents may persist (unallocated space, slack, MFT records), and outline tools/commands you would use to locate and recover deleted artifacts while maintaining forensic integrity.

HardSystem Design

25 practiced

Design a forensic readiness program for a global enterprise. Define logging and retention policies, endpoint and network configurations to ensure useful artifact availability, secure centralized log collection and immutable storage, chain-of-custody automation, roles and responsibilities, privacy considerations, and a phased rollout plan. Include measurable KPIs to track readiness and cost-control considerations.

EasyTechnical

23 practiced

Explain what constitutes volatile data in a digital forensic investigation, why volatile artifacts are critical, and provide a prioritized list of volatile artifacts to collect from a Windows host during an incident response (for example: RAM image, process list, network connections, open files, cached credentials). Describe how the order of collection impacts what can be recovered later and name tools you would use to collect these artifacts safely.

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