Quick Answer
The answer is installing a rootkit, along with modifying file timestamps and clearing event logs, as these are three primary covering tracks methods attackers use after compromising a system. A rootkit is particularly effective because it embeds itself deep within the operating system, hiding malicious processes, files, and registry entries from standard detection tools, while modifying file timestamps—such as altering MAC (Modify, Access, Change) times with tools like `touch` or `SetFileTime`—makes malicious files appear as legitimate system files, thwarting forensic timeline analysis. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this topic tests your understanding of the post-exploitation phase and anti-forensic techniques, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify which actions an attacker would take to avoid detection. A common trap is confusing log clearing with log modification, as simply deleting logs raises suspicion, whereas selective editing is stealthier. Memory tip: think “RTC” for Rootkit, Timestamps, and Clearing logs—the three pillars of covering tracks.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which THREE of the following are methods attackers use to cover their tracks after compromising a system?
Modifying file timestamps
Timestamp manipulation hides forensic artifacts.
Deleting event logs
Deleting logs removes evidence of activities.
Installing a rootkit
Rootkits hide malicious processes and files.
Performing a dictionary attack
Why wrong: Dictionary attacks are for password cracking.
Running a vulnerability scanner
Why wrong: Vulnerability scanning is reconnaissance, not covering tracks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Modifying file timestamps
Modifying file timestamps (A) is a common anti-forensic technique used to hide the evidence of file creation, modification, or access. Attackers use tools like `touch` on Linux or `SetFileTime` on Windows to alter the MAC (Modify, Access, Change) timestamps, making malicious files appear as legitimate system files. This prevents forensic investigators from identifying when the compromise occurred or which files were altered.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Modifying file timestamps
Why this is correct
Timestamp manipulation hides forensic artifacts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Deleting event logs
Why this is correct
Deleting logs removes evidence of activities.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Installing a rootkit
Why this is correct
Rootkits hide malicious processes and files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Performing a dictionary attack
Why it's wrong here
Dictionary attacks are for password cracking.
Running a vulnerability scanner
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is reconnaissance, not covering tracks.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between attack phases, so candidates mistakenly associate dictionary attacks and vulnerability scanning with post-exploitation activities, when they actually belong to the enumeration and system hacking phases, not the covering tracks phase.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Windows uses the NTFS file system which stores timestamps in the `$STANDARD_INFORMATION` attribute, while forensic tools like `timestomp` can modify these values. On Linux, the `touch` command can set arbitrary timestamps using the `-t` flag, and the `utimensat()` syscall allows precise nanosecond-level manipulation. In real-world scenarios, attackers often combine timestamp manipulation with log deletion and rootkit installation to create a layered evasion strategy that complicates incident response.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Modifying file timestamps — Modifying file timestamps (A) is a common anti-forensic technique used to hide the evidence of file creation, modification, or access. Attackers use tools like `touch` on Linux or `SetFileTime` on Windows to alter the MAC (Modify, Access, Change) timestamps, making malicious files appear as legitimate system files. This prevents forensic investigators from identifying when the compromise occurred or which files were altered.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CEH exam.
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