What is an example of volatile data?

Volatile data refers to information that is temporarily stored and is lost when the system is powered down or rebooted. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a prime example of volatile data because it holds data actively being used or processed by the computer's CPU. When the device is turned off or experiences a power failure, everything in RAM is erased.

In contrast, hard drive contents, read-only data, and archived files are examples of non-volatile data, meaning they remain intact and accessible even after the power is removed. Non-volatile data is stored on more permanent forms of storage like hard drives or USB drives, and it retains information until it is intentionally deleted or overwritten. Understanding the difference between volatile and non-volatile data is crucial in forensic technology, as it influences how evidence is collected and preserved during investigations.