The preferred method for the acquisition of memory is through direct contact with the suspect system. This allows for adaptability by incident response analysts in the event that a tool or technique does not work. This method is also faster at obtaining the necessary files since it doesn't depend on a stable network connection. Although this is the preferred method, there may be geographical constraints, especially with larger organizations where the incident response analysts are a plane ride away from the location containing the evidence.

In the case of remote acquisition, incident response analysts can leverage the same tools that are utilized in local acquisition. The one change is that incident response analysts are required to utilize a remote technology to access the suspect systems and perform the capture. As with any method that is utilized, incident response analysts should ensure that they document any use of remote technology. This will allow for proper identification of legitimate versus suspect connections later on.