Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage Analysis in Cybersecurity: A Guide for CompTIA SecurityX Certification

In cybersecurity, storage analysis is an essential skill for understanding how data is managed, accessed, and modified across systems. This includes analyzing both volatile and non-volatile storage to extract evidence, identify suspicious activities, and support incident response efforts. For CompTIA SecurityX certification candidates, understanding storage analysis is essential under Objective 4.4: “Analyze data and artifacts in support of incident response activities.” In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of volatile and non-volatile storage, the importance of each in cybersecurity, and effective tools and techniques for analysis.

What is Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage?

Volatile storage refers to data stored in temporary memory that is lost when a device is powered off, such as Random Access Memory (RAM). Non-volatile storage, in contrast, retains data even after power loss and includes storage media like hard drives, SSDs, USBs, and optical discs.

Key Differences in Storage Types

1. Volatile Storage (RAM):
   • Temporary Data: Stores data and processes currently in use.
   • Lost Upon Shutdown: Contents are erased when the device is powered off.
   • Contains Real-Time Evidence: Useful for capturing in-progress activities, like open network connections and active processes.
2. Non-Volatile Storage (Disks, SSDs, Flash Drives):
   • Persistent Data: Retains files, configurations, and logs.
   • Data Remains After Shutdown: Contents persist even after the device is powered off.
   • Historical Evidence: Ideal for long-term artifacts, including files, logs, and deleted data.

For SecurityX candidates, mastering both volatile and non-volatile storage analysis is crucial for building comprehensive incident response and forensic skills.

Importance of Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage Analysis in Cybersecurity

Volatile and non-volatile storage each provide unique types of information that are invaluable during incident response and investigations.

• Volatile Storage (RAM): Provides real-time insights into what was happening on a system at a specific moment. This includes active network connections, encryption keys, and in-memory malware that may not persist on disk.
• Non-Volatile Storage: Contains historical data, such as files, logs, and deleted records, that helps reconstruct past events, trace malicious actions, and identify root causes of incidents.

Techniques for Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage Analysis

Volatile and non-volatile storage analysis require different approaches and tools to retrieve and analyze relevant information effectively.

1. Volatile Storage Analysis

• Description: Analyzing volatile storage involves capturing and examining a system’s RAM to identify active data and processes.
• Key Artifacts:
  • Active Processes: Programs and malware running in real-time.
  • Network Connections: Information on open connections, IP addresses, and ports.
  • Encryption Keys and Passwords: Sensitive data temporarily held in memory.
• Tools for Volatile Storage Analysis:
  • Volatility: A memory forensics tool that extracts and analyzes data from memory dumps, identifying processes, network connections, and loaded DLLs.
  • FTK Imager: Captures a memory dump from a live system, which can then be analyzed for artifacts.
  • Belkasoft RAM Capturer: A lightweight tool for acquiring volatile memory data from a live Windows system.
• Best Practices for Volatile Storage Analysis:
  • Act Quickly: Since volatile data is lost on shutdown, capture memory data immediately during an investigation.
  • Preserve System State: Avoid rebooting or shutting down the system until volatile data has been captured.
  • Document Findings: Record details of live processes, open connections, and other volatile data in case further investigation is needed.

2. Non-Volatile Storage Analysis

• Description: Non-volatile storage analysis involves examining persistent storage for files, logs, configurations, and artifacts that may reveal how a system was compromised or manipulated.
• Key Artifacts:
  • System Logs: Security, application, and audit logs help identify unauthorized access or suspicious events.
  • Deleted Files: Files that have been deleted but not overwritten may contain critical evidence.
  • Configuration Files: Registry settings, scheduled tasks, and persistence mechanisms used by attackers.
• Tools for Non-Volatile Storage Analysis:
  • Autopsy: An open-source digital forensics tool that allows detailed analysis of files, file structures, and logs on storage devices.
  • Sleuth Kit (TSK): A suite of command-line tools for analyzing disk images, recovering deleted files, and identifying hidden data.
  • EnCase Forensic: A comprehensive tool for analyzing non-volatile storage, including file recovery, log analysis, and forensic imaging.
• Best Practices for Non-Volatile Storage Analysis:
  • Create Forensic Images: Use tools like FTK Imager to create a forensic image of the storage drive for analysis without modifying the original data.
  • Check for Persistence Mechanisms: Examine areas like startup folders and registry settings where attackers may establish persistence.
  • Recover Deleted Data: Use file recovery tools to retrieve deleted files or remnants that could provide valuable evidence.

Common Challenges in Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage Analysis

Volatile and non-volatile storage analysis present unique challenges. Here are a few common issues and solutions:

1. Data Loss in Volatile Storage: Since volatile data is lost on shutdown, investigators must act quickly to capture it.
   • Solution: Train incident response teams to perform memory captures as a first response to suspicious activity.
2. Large Data Volumes in Non-Volatile Storage: With terabytes of data on modern storage devices, it’s challenging to sift through all information.
   • Solution: Use forensic tools with filtering capabilities, focusing on recent files, user directories, and logs tied to the incident timeline.
3. File System Compatibility: Different operating systems use different file systems (NTFS, ext4, APFS), which can impact analysis.
   • Solution: Ensure your forensic tools support multiple file systems, or use cross-platform tools like Autopsy and Sleuth Kit.

Best Practices for Storage Analysis in Incident Response

To perform effective storage analysis, follow these best practices to ensure accurate, reliable findings that support forensic investigations.

1. Capture Volatile Data First

• Purpose: Capture memory before any other actions to preserve in-progress data, such as open network connections or in-memory malware.
• Best Practice: Train incident responders to capture volatile data as a top priority when arriving on the scene.

2. Use Write-Blocking on Non-Volatile Storage

• Purpose: Prevents accidental changes to storage media, preserving evidence integrity.
• Best Practice: Use write-blocking tools or hardware to protect data on non-volatile storage during analysis.

3. Follow Chain of Custody Protocols

• Purpose: Document every step in the evidence handling process, maintaining traceability and integrity for legal use.
• Best Practice: Keep detailed records of all data captures, analyses, and findings, ensuring that evidence is secure and admissible.

4. Regularly Update Forensic Toolkits

• Purpose: Keeping tools up-to-date ensures compatibility with the latest devices, file systems, and potential malware types.
• Best Practice: Maintain an updated forensic toolkit that supports both legacy and current technologies, ensuring that tools are capable of handling new and evolving threats.

Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage Analysis in CompTIA SecurityX: Enhancing Incident Response

Mastering volatile and non-volatile storage analysis aligns with the CompTIA SecurityX certification objectives by enabling professionals to:

1. Identify Real-Time Threats: Volatile storage analysis reveals in-progress attacks, network connections, and active malware.
2. Reconstruct Incidents: Non-volatile storage analysis provides historical data that supports timeline reconstruction and threat origin tracing.
3. Preserve Critical Evidence: Proper handling of volatile and non-volatile data ensures evidence integrity, supporting forensic investigations and potential legal proceedings.

Integrating storage analysis into incident response allows cybersecurity teams to perform comprehensive investigations, secure vital evidence, and quickly address security threats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volatile and Non-Volatile Storage Analysis in Cybersecurity