200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
In Windows, prefetch files (C:\Windows\Prefetch\*.pf) are used by the system to speed up application loading. How can an analyst leverage prefetch files during host-based analysis?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the specific purpose of prefetch files versus other forensic artifacts, and the trap here is confusing prefetch files with memory dumps or registry logs, leading candidates to select options that describe unrelated Windows components.
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
✓
They provide evidence of file execution, including frequency and timestamps.
Prefetch files in Windows record metadata about application launches, including the executable path, run count, and last run timestamp. During host-based analysis, an analyst can examine these .pf files to determine which executables have been executed, how often, and when, providing crucial evidence of file execution activity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
They provide evidence of file execution, including frequency and timestamps.
Why this is correct
Prefetch files record execution details useful for forensic timeline.
- ✗
They store network connection logs.
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch does not contain network logs.
- ✗
They store registry keys modified by the application.
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch does not store registry modifications.
- ✗
They contain the contents of the running process memory.
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch does not contain memory contents.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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