In the context of digital forensics, what does "live analysis" refer to?

Live analysis refers to the process of examining data on a powered-on system. This type of analysis is crucial in digital forensics because it allows forensic investigators to access volatile data that would otherwise be lost if the system were powered down. Volatile data includes information that is held in memory, such as running processes, network connections, and active users, all of which can provide vital insights into the state of the system and any actions that were occurring at the time of the analysis.

The other options do not align with the concept of live analysis. Reviewing archived files pertains to static data that has already been saved and does not capture dynamic information related to system activity. Using imaging techniques on non-active devices involves creating copies of data from devices that are not currently in use, thus excluding the potential findings from live, volatile data. Verifying backups of data focuses on confirming the integrity and availability of previously saved information, which does not involve real-time analysis of a running system. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the importance of examining a powered-on system during the forensic process.