Quick Answer
The correct answer is the erasing tracks phase, which is the fifth and final step in the CHPSET system hacking methodology. After gaining access and maintaining control, an attacker must cover their footprints by modifying or deleting log files, clearing event logs, or using tools like `wevtutil` or `clearev` to remove evidence of their activities, ensuring a system administrator cannot detect the intrusion or trace the attacker’s actions. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this phase tests your understanding of post-exploitation stealth and log management, often appearing in scenario-based questions where an attacker alters audit trails. A common trap is confusing this with the maintaining access phase, but remember: erasing tracks is about hiding the intrusion, not keeping the door open. To recall the full methodology, use the mnemonic “CHPSET” (Cracking, Hiding, Privilege Escalation, Sniffing, Erasing Tracks), and for this specific phase, think “erase the trace, win the race.”
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 gaining access to a system, an attacker modifies log files to remove evidence of their activities. This action is part of which phase of the system hacking methodology?
Spying
Why wrong: Spying involves monitoring activities, not modifying logs.
Executing applications
Why wrong: Executing applications is about running malware or tools.
Hiding files
Why wrong: Hiding files involves concealing data, not altering logs.
Erasing tracks
Correct. Erasing tracks includes clearing logs, removing evidence, and covering traces.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Erasing tracks
The correct answer is D, 'Erasing tracks,' because after gaining access, the attacker's goal is to cover their footprints by modifying or deleting log files, clearing event logs, or using tools like `wevtutil` or `clearev` to remove evidence of their activities. This phase ensures the system administrator cannot detect the intrusion or trace the attacker's actions.
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.
Spying
Why it's wrong here
Spying involves monitoring activities, not modifying logs.
Executing applications
Why it's wrong here
Executing applications is about running malware or tools.
Hiding files
Why it's wrong here
Hiding files involves concealing data, not altering logs.
Erasing tracks
Why this is correct
Correct. Erasing tracks includes clearing logs, removing evidence, and covering traces.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'Hiding files' (option C) with 'Erasing tracks,' but hiding files focuses on concealing payloads, while erasing tracks specifically targets log files and audit trails to cover the attacker's digital footprint.
Detailed technical explanation
In Windows systems, attackers often use `wevtutil cl` to clear specific event logs (e.g., Security, System, Application) or `clearev` from Metasploit to wipe all logs. On Linux, they may truncate `/var/log/auth.log` or use `shred` to overwrite log entries before deletion, making forensic recovery difficult. The 'Erasing tracks' phase is critical because even if the attacker is detected later, incomplete logs hinder incident response and attribution.
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: Erasing tracks — The correct answer is D, 'Erasing tracks,' because after gaining access, the attacker's goal is to cover their footprints by modifying or deleting log files, clearing event logs, or using tools like `wevtutil` or `clearev` to remove evidence of their activities. This phase ensures the system administrator cannot detect the intrusion or trace the attacker's actions.
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 24, 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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