CEH Enumeration and System Hacking Practice Question
Which phase of the system hacking methodology (CHPSET) involves hiding files from the operating system using techniques such as rootkits or steganography?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse 'Erasing tracks' (clearing logs) with 'Hiding files' (concealing the files themselves), but the CEH CHPSET model separates these as distinct phases—'Hiding files' specifically refers to techniques like rootkits and steganography that hide the file from the OS, not just removing evidence of its execution.
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
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Hiding files
The 'Hiding files' phase of the CHPSET (Cracking passwords, Hacking, Privilege escalation, Spying, Erasing tracks, Executing applications, Hiding files) methodology involves concealing malicious files from the operating system and security tools. Techniques such as rootkits (which hook system calls like NtQueryDirectoryFile to hide files from directory listings) and steganography (embedding data within innocent files like images or audio) are used to avoid detection. This phase directly follows 'Executing applications' and ensures the attacker's payload remains persistent and covert.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Cracking passwords
Why it's wrong here
While fundamental to gaining unauthorized entry, cracking passwords typically constitutes the initial "Cracking" phase (C) of the CHIPSET methodology. This involves employing techniques like brute-force, dictionary attacks, or credential stuffing to obtain valid user credentials, which is a prerequisite for subsequent actions like maintaining access or concealing presence within the compromised system. This action precedes the phase focused on hiding artifacts.
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Erasing tracks
Why it's wrong here
Erasing tracks, also known as covering tracks, is a critical post-exploitation activity performed towards the conclusion of the system hacking methodology, often represented by the 'E' in CHIPSET. This phase specifically focuses on removing forensic evidence, such as system logs, command history, and temporary files, to hinder detection, prevent attribution, and ensure the attacker's activities remain undiscovered by incident responders. It is a final cleanup step.
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Executing applications
Why it's wrong here
Executing applications is a broad action that occurs throughout various stages of system hacking, but it does not represent a distinct, named phase within the CHIPSET methodology in the same manner as "Hiding files" or "Cracking passwords." While an attacker must execute tools or payloads, the 'E' in CHIPSET more commonly refers to "Erasing tracks" or, in some variations, "Escalating privileges" or "Exploitation," rather than the general act of running software.
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Hiding files
Why this is correct
Hiding files is a core activity within the "Maintaining Access" phase of system hacking, specifically represented by the 'H' in the CHIPSET acronym. This involves employing various techniques, such as rootkits, steganography, or manipulating file attributes and permissions, to conceal malicious tools, backdoors, or data staging areas from legitimate users, administrators, and security software, thereby ensuring persistence and operational secrecy on the compromised system.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Key term
Steganography
Steganography is the practice of hiding a secret message inside an ordinary, non-secret file such as an image, audio, or video to keep the message hidden from casual observers.
Key term
Privilege escalation
Privilege escalation is when a user or attacker gains more access or control over a system than they are supposed to have.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.