Is a live acquisition accepted as a standard practice in digital forensics?

A live acquisition is indeed considered a standard practice in digital forensics under specific circumstances. This technique involves capturing data from a computer or device while it is still running, allowing forensic investigators to access volatile memory, such as RAM, which contains valuable information that may not be stored on the hard drive.

The methodology is particularly useful in situations where the evidence might be ephemeral, like active connections, encryption keys, or user session data. Adopting live acquisition aligns with the contemporary understanding of digital evidence and the need for investigators to adapt to the rapid evolution of technology.

While it is an accepted practice, the context in which it is performed is crucial; thus, practices may vary based on specific scenarios, such as when quick action is necessary to preserve volatile data before it is lost. Furthermore, while it's often accepted within the digital forensics community, the appropriateness of employing live acquisition techniques may also depend on legal standards and procedures within different jurisdictions or organizations.