What is meant by "volatile data" in digital forensics?

Volatile data refers to information that is temporarily stored in a device's memory and is lost when the device is powered off. This type of data is often stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) and includes ongoing processes, active network connections, and other transient system states. In digital forensics, capturing volatile data is critical because it can provide invaluable insights into a system's current activity, user behavior, and potential security breaches, which may not be recoverable once the device is turned off.

Understanding the nature of volatile data is essential for forensic investigators, as it must usually be captured quickly and accurately, often requiring specific tools and techniques. Unlike persistent storage data, which can be found on hard drives and remains intact until deliberately deleted, volatile data is inherently temporary and thus requires immediate attention during an investigation.