The answer is using a physical extraction tool like Cellebrite UFED and analyzing Google account artifacts synced to the cloud. This is correct because a factory reset wipes the device’s local storage, but cloud-synced data—such as contacts, calendar entries, and Google Drive backups—remains intact on Google’s servers, accessible by logging into the same account. Additionally, physical extraction tools can recover residual data from unallocated or overwritten storage areas that a standard logical extraction would miss. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinction between volatile local evidence and persistent cloud artifacts, a common trap being to assume a factory reset destroys all data. Remember the memory tip: “Cloud survives the wipe, physical digs the grave”—cloud artifacts persist beyond the reset, while physical tools can exhume buried fragments from the device’s storage.
CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
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 examiner is analyzing an Android device that was factory reset. Which TWO artefacts or methods could the examiner use to potentially recover or identify data from before the reset?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Analyzing Google account artefacts synced to the cloud
Option D is correct because Google account artifacts synced to the cloud (e.g., contacts, calendar, app data via Google Drive backup) persist independently of the device's local storage. Even after a factory reset, these cloud-stored artifacts can be accessed by logging into the same Google account, providing a forensic trail of pre-reset data. This leverages Google's cloud synchronization services, which are not erased by a device reset.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Performing a logical extraction via ADB
Why it's wrong here
After factory reset, ADB may not be authorized; device setup may prevent extraction.
✗
Recovering deleted apps via ADB backup
Why it's wrong here
ADB backup requires device to be set up and authorized; after reset, this is not available.
✗
Examining the device manually through the UI
Why it's wrong here
After reset, device appears as new; no user data visible.
✓
Analyzing Google account artefacts synced to the cloud
Why this is correct
Google account may have synced contacts, calendar, and app data before reset, recoverable via account access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Using a physical extraction tool like Cellebrite UFED
Why this is correct
Physical extraction can recover residual data from flash memory even after reset, though success varies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that a factory reset permanently destroys all data, but candidates must recognize that cloud-synced artifacts and physical extraction methods can recover pre-reset data, while logical methods (ADB, UI) are rendered useless by the reset.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Android's factory reset performs a wipe of the /data partition (using ext4 or F2FS) via the 'wipe_data' recovery command, which unmounts and reformats the partition, overwriting file system metadata. However, cloud-synced artifacts like Google Drive backups (stored in the user's Google Account under 'Backup by Google One') are retained on Google's servers and can be restored or analyzed forensically by authenticating the account. Physical extraction tools like Cellebrite UFED can bypass the reset by reading raw NAND flash memory, potentially recovering remnants of deleted files from unallocated space if the reset did not perform a full overwrite (e.g., TRIM behavior on eMMC/UFS storage).
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Analyzing Google account artefacts synced to the cloud — Option D is correct because Google account artifacts synced to the cloud (e.g., contacts, calendar, app data via Google Drive backup) persist independently of the device's local storage. Even after a factory reset, these cloud-stored artifacts can be accessed by logging into the same Google account, providing a forensic trail of pre-reset data. This leverages Google's cloud synchronization services, which are not erased by a device reset.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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. A mobile forensic examiner is analyzing an Android device that has been factory reset. Which TWO of the following artefacts are MOST likely to still be recoverable after a factory reset? (Select TWO)
medium
✓ A.SMS messages
B.Deleted applications' data
C.Call logs
✓ D.Google account tokens
E.Photos stored in internal storage
Why A: SMS messages (A) are stored in the Android internal database file `/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db`. A factory reset typically only marks the database file's storage blocks as free in the ext4 filesystem without performing a secure wipe, leaving the raw data recoverable via forensic tools like Cellebrite or Oxygen Forensic until overwritten. Google account tokens (D) are stored in the AccountManager service's SQLite database under `/data/system/users/0/accounts.db` and in the `authtoken` table; even after a factory reset, the underlying NAND flash memory may retain these tokens due to wear-leveling and garbage collection delays, allowing recovery with chip-off or JTAG techniques.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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