What do the terms "live data" and "dead data" refer to in forensic investigations?

The terms "live data" and "dead data" are essential concepts in forensic investigations, particularly when dealing with digital evidence. Live data refers to information that is currently operational and can still be accessed or interacted with because the device is powered on. This includes active files, user sessions, running processes, and other data that are directly available to an investigator in real-time.

On the other hand, dead data refers to data that cannot be actively accessed because it resides on a powered-down device. This could include data stored on hard drives, removable media, or other storage devices that would need to be powered up in order to access. In forensic investigations, both live and dead data can be crucial in gathering evidence and understanding the events surrounding an incident.

The option indicating current operational data and data on powered-down devices accurately reflects these definitions, which is why it is the correct choice in this context. Other options do not distinctly capture the essence of live versus dead data as it pertains to their operational status during an investigation.