Quick Answer
The answer is wevtutil cl Security. This command is the correct choice because it directly clears the Windows Security event log using a built-in utility, requiring no external tools and only administrative privileges to execute. In the context of covering tracks, an attacker would use this to remove forensic evidence of their activities, such as failed login attempts or privilege escalations, from the most monitored log. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your knowledge of post-exploitation log management and the difference between native Windows commands versus third-party tools; a common trap is confusing wevtutil with the older eventtriggers or assuming a simple del command works on active logs. Remember the memory tip: “wevtutil cl” stands for “Windows Event Viewer Utility clear log,” and the Security log is the primary target for covering tracks because it records authentication events.
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.
After compromising a Windows system, an attacker wants to cover tracks by deleting event logs. Which command would achieve this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
wevtutil cl Security
wevtutil cl clears the specified event log.
del *.log
Why wrong: This deletes log files but does not clear event logs.
rm -rf /var/log/*
Why wrong: This is a Linux command.
clear-eventlog -Log Security
Why wrong: This is PowerShell, but the correct cmdlet is Clear-EventLog.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
wevtutil cl Security
The wevtutil cl Security command clears the Windows Security event log, which is a standard method for an attacker to cover tracks by removing evidence of their activities. This command is built into Windows and can be executed from the command line with administrative privileges, making it a direct and effective way to delete event logs without relying on external tools.
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.
wevtutil cl Security
Why this is correct
wevtutil cl clears the specified event log.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
del *.log
Why it's wrong here
This deletes log files but does not clear event logs.
rm -rf /var/log/*
Why it's wrong here
This is a Linux command.
clear-eventlog -Log Security
Why it's wrong here
This is PowerShell, but the correct cmdlet is Clear-EventLog.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the Windows command wevtutil with the Linux command rm -rf or the PowerShell cmdlet Clear-EventLog, assuming any log-clearing command works across platforms, but the CEH exam tests knowledge of OS-specific utilities.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is a Linux command.
Detailed technical explanation
The wevtutil command interacts with the Windows Event Log service, which manages logs in binary Evtx format under C:\Windows\System32\winevt\Logs. Clearing the Security log with wevtutil cl Security requires administrative privileges because the log is protected by system access controls; in a real-world attack, an attacker might also disable the Event Log service (net stop EventLog) to prevent further logging before clearing. This command is often used in post-exploitation to erase traces of lateral movement or privilege escalation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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: wevtutil cl Security — The wevtutil cl Security command clears the Windows Security event log, which is a standard method for an attacker to cover tracks by removing evidence of their activities. This command is built into Windows and can be executed from the command line with administrative privileges, making it a direct and effective way to delete event logs without relying on external tools.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. After compromising a system, an attacker wants to erase their tracks. They clear the Windows Event Logs using `wevtutil cl` commands. However, the logs are forwarded to a remote SIEM. Which covering tracks technique would be MOST effective to avoid detection?
mediumWhy A: If logs are forwarded to a remote SIEM, local log deletion will still leave traces in the SIEM. A better approach is to manipulate specific log entries (e.g., modify or delete only the incriminating entries) to avoid raising alert on bulk deletion. However, the best among options is to modify logs selectively.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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