What is meant by "volatile data" in forensics?

Volatile data in digital forensics refers to information that is temporarily stored and can be lost when the power supply to a device is interrupted. This type of data is often associated with the system's memory, such as RAM, where processes, running applications, and other system states reside only as long as the device is powered on. Once the device is turned off or restarted, this data is lost, making it critical for forensic investigators to capture it quickly, typically using tools that can create a memory dump.

In contrast, other forms of data, such as archived data or information stored on hard drives and cloud servers, remain intact and can be retrieved even after power is removed. Thus, the unique characteristic of volatility distinguishes this type of data in the context of forensic investigations, emphasizing the importance of timing and methodology in the data collection process.