Quick Answer
The answer is the IP address of the command and control server, along with registry modifications and file hashes, as these three are common indicators of compromise for malware detection. Registry keys created under paths like `HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run` are classic persistence mechanisms, while a known malicious hash allows for quick file identification, and a C2 IP reveals the external server directing the malware. On the CHFI exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between host-based IoCs (registry, hash) and network-based IoCs (C2 IP), often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must select the triad that forensic investigators prioritize. A common trap is confusing a file’s creation date with a hash, but remember that hashes are unique fingerprints, not timestamps. Memory tip: think “RHC” – Registry, Hash, C2 – to recall the three pillars of malware IoC detection.
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.
Which THREE of the following are common indicators of compromise (IoCs) that can be used to detect malware infections?
The user's favorite color
Why wrong: User preference is irrelevant to IoCs.
The brand of the victim's computer
Why wrong: Computer brand is not a technical indicator of compromise.
Registry key created by malware for persistence
Registry keys are host-based IoCs.
MD5 or SHA-256 hash of the malware file
File hashes are unique identifiers of malware samples.
IP address of the command and control server
C2 IP addresses are network-based IoCs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Registry key created by malware for persistence
Option C is correct because malware often creates registry keys (e.g., under `HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`) to achieve persistence, ensuring it executes automatically on system startup. Detecting such unauthorized registry modifications is a common indicator of compromise (IoC) in forensic investigations.
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.
The user's favorite color
Why it's wrong here
User preference is irrelevant to IoCs.
The brand of the victim's computer
Why it's wrong here
Computer brand is not a technical indicator of compromise.
Registry key created by malware for persistence
Why this is correct
Registry keys are host-based IoCs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
MD5 or SHA-256 hash of the malware file
Why this is correct
File hashes are unique identifiers of malware samples.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
IP address of the command and control server
Why this is correct
C2 IP addresses are network-based IoCs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between user-specific or hardware-specific attributes (like favorite color or computer brand) and actual system-level artifacts that indicate compromise, leading candidates to mistakenly include irrelevant options if they do not focus on technical IoCs.
Detailed technical explanation
Registry keys used for persistence often target `Run`, `RunOnce`, or `Services` subkeys, and malware may also use `AppInit_DLLs` or `Winlogon` keys for stealthier loading. In real-world investigations, forensic tools like RegRipper or automated analysis with YARA rules can flag these anomalies, especially when the key name mimics legitimate software to evade detection.
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: Registry key created by malware for persistence — Option C is correct because malware often creates registry keys (e.g., under `HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`) to achieve persistence, ensuring it executes automatically on system startup. Detecting such unauthorized registry modifications is a common indicator of compromise (IoC) in forensic investigations.
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 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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