Certified Incident Handler (CIH) Practice Ecam

What should be the first thing a first responder does upon arrival at a digital crime scene?

1. Start collecting evidence immediately

2. Assess the situation and secure the scene

3. Inform the investigative team right away

4. Attempt to turn on the devices

The correct answer is: Assess the situation and secure the scene

Upon arriving at a digital crime scene, the first priority for a first responder is to assess the situation and secure the scene. This action is critical for several reasons. First, securing the scene helps to preserve the integrity of the digital evidence, preventing contamination or alteration that could occur if unauthorized individuals enter the area. Next, assessing the situation allows the first responder to understand the environment, identify any potential safety hazards, and determine the best approach to managing the incident. This includes evaluating whether there are any individuals present who may need assistance or if there are ongoing threats that need to be addressed. Once the scene is secured, the first responder can consider next steps, such as informing the investigative team or starting the evidence collection process, both of which are essential components of a proper incident response. However, these steps come after ensuring that the environment is safe and that the evidence is protected, establishing a solid foundation for effective investigation and data recovery.