Final answer:
In computer forensics, volatile data is the information stored in a computer's memory (RAM) which includes system configuration and running application data, that can be lost upon power loss. Capturing this data is crucial for computer forensics investigations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a computer forensics investigation, the type of data considered volatile data is the information that is stored temporarily in a computer's memory (RAM) and can be lost when the power is removed from the system. Volatile data includes system registry information, system and network configuration, encryption keys, temporary files, and the content of individual applications that are running at the time of a system shutdown or crash.
These elements are crucial when performing a forensic analysis because they can contain valuable information about the state of the computer and the actions that were being performed at the time of an incident.
It is important for forensic investigators to capture this volatile data before shutting down a computer to prevent loss of potential evidence. The process of capturing volatile data should be carried out in a methodical and careful manner to ensure it is preserved accurately for analysis.