Which type of data consists of information that is actively being used and modified by users?

Active data refers to information that is currently in use and can be readily accessed and modified by users. This type of data is critical in understanding the immediate actions and activities of users on a system, as it includes files that users are working on, databases that are being queried, and any documents that are being edited.

In a forensic context, analyzing active data is essential for capturing the current state of a user's work environment, including ongoing transactions and interactions, which can provide valuable insights during investigations. This contrasts with forms of data such as residual, archival, or backup data, which do not represent the current activities but rather past states or copies of information. Understanding active data is crucial for forensic examiners when they assess the integrity and relevance of information that may be pertinent to a case.