Quick Answer
The answer is the package com.google.android.gms, which stores Google account artefacts like the last sync timestamp and cached email addresses on an Android device. This is correct because Google Play Services manages authentication tokens, sync settings, and account metadata within its databases, such as accounts.db or gms_credentials.db, located under /data/data/com.google.android.gms/databases/. The last sync timestamp is typically recorded in the sync_state table, while cached email addresses appear in the accounts table. On the CHFI exam, this tests your ability to locate forensic artefacts tied to cloud account synchronization, a common trap being confusion with the Google Settings or Google Contacts packages. Remember: for any Google account data, think “gms” as in “Google’s main sync” — the sync_state table holds the timestamp, and accounts table holds the cached emails.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. 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.
A forensic analyst is examining an Android device and wants to recover Google account artefacts, such as the last sync timestamp and cached email addresses. Where on the device (in /data/data/) would these artefacts MOST likely be stored?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
com.google.android.gms
Google Play Services (gms) manages account sync and stores related artefacts.
com.android.providers.telephony
Why wrong: This stores SMS/MMS and call log data.
com.android.providers.contacts
Why wrong: This database stores contacts, not Google account sync data.
com.android.settings
Why wrong: This stores device settings, not Google account artefacts.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
com.google.android.gms
The Google account artefacts, including the last sync timestamp and cached email addresses, are stored within the package 'com.google.android.gms' (Google Play Services). This package manages authentication tokens, sync settings, and account metadata in its databases (e.g., 'accounts.db' or 'gms_credentials.db') under /data/data/com.google.android.gms/databases/. The last sync timestamp is typically recorded in the 'sync_state' table, while cached email addresses appear in the 'accounts' table.
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.
com.google.android.gms
Why this is correct
Google Play Services (gms) manages account sync and stores related artefacts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
com.android.providers.telephony
Why it's wrong here
This stores SMS/MMS and call log data.
com.android.providers.contacts
Why it's wrong here
This database stores contacts, not Google account sync data.
com.android.settings
Why it's wrong here
This stores device settings, not Google account artefacts.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the misconception that account-related artefacts are stored in the Contacts or Telephony providers, but the correct location is the Google Play Services package because it centrally manages authentication and sync for all Google services.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Google Play Services uses the AccountManager API to manage accounts, but the actual sync timestamps and cached credentials are stored in SQLite databases within its private data directory. For example, the 'sync_state' table in 'gms_credentials.db' records the last successful sync time as a Unix timestamp. In a real-world scenario, an analyst might recover a deleted Google account by examining the 'accounts' table, which retains email addresses even after account removal from the device's settings.
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 CHFI 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: com.google.android.gms — The Google account artefacts, including the last sync timestamp and cached email addresses, are stored within the package 'com.google.android.gms' (Google Play Services). This package manages authentication tokens, sync settings, and account metadata in its databases (e.g., 'accounts.db' or 'gms_credentials.db') under /data/data/com.google.android.gms/databases/. The last sync timestamp is typically recorded in the 'sync_state' table, while cached email addresses appear in the 'accounts' table.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CHFI 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 CHFI exam.
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