What does the term "volatile memory" refer to?

Volatile memory refers specifically to computer memory that requires a constant power supply to maintain the stored information. Examples of volatile memory include Random Access Memory (RAM), where data is lost when the power is turned off. This characteristic makes it distinct from non-volatile memory, which retains data even without power, such as hard drives or solid-state drives.

In digital forensics, understanding the properties of volatile memory is crucial because it can hold temporary data that may contain valuable evidence, such as active user sessions, encryption keys, or running processes. Since this type of memory is cleared once the device is powered down, forensic investigators must prioritize collecting this data before shutting down a device, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of volatile memory in investigations.

Other options do not correctly describe volatile memory; for instance, non-volatile memory is what remains permanently stored, which is why that option does not align with the definition of volatile memory. The remaining options also do not accurately reflect the fundamental characteristic of volatility specific to RAM and similar types of memory.