200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
During forensic analysis of a Windows host, an analyst finds a file in C:\Windows\Prefetch with the name 'MALWARE.EXE-3F2A1B0C.pf'. Which type of information can be extracted from this prefetch file to assist the investigation?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The number of times the executable has been run and the last execution timestamp
Prefetch files (.pf) contain the last run time, run count, and paths of files loaded by the executable. This helps determine how many times the malware was executed and when.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The number of times the executable has been run and the last execution timestamp
Why this is correct
Correct. Prefetch tracks execution count and last run time.
- ✗
The file's SHA256 hash and digital signature status
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch does not store hash or signature info.
- ✗
The registry keys modified by the executable during execution
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch does not record registry changes.
- ✗
The command-line arguments used when the executable was launched
Why it's wrong here
Command-line arguments are not stored in prefetch.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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