What is a common mistake a first responder makes at a computer crime scene?

In the context of responding to a computer crime scene, shutting down the computer is considered a common mistake because it can result in the loss of volatile data that might be critical to the investigation. When a computer is powered down, all data stored in RAM is lost, which may include open files, user sessions, and other evidence that could provide insight into the incident.

Forensic protocols typically advise first responders to preserve the scene as is and to create a bit-by-bit copy of the storage devices to keep all data intact. By shutting down the computer, the first responder may inadvertently alter or destroy crucial evidence that could be imperative for understanding the full context of the crime. Therefore, keeping the system running until a proper forensic analysis can be conducted is vital to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

This highlights the critical importance of understanding proper procedures and being trained in incident response, as first responders must prioritize evidence preservation to ensure an effective and valid investigation.