Quick Answer
The answer is encrypted app data from /data/data/, as this is the least likely to be recoverable after an Android factory reset. This is because a factory reset wipes the /data partition and re-encrypts it with a new key, discarding the original file-based encryption (FBE) per-user key that protected app data. Without that original key, forensic tools cannot decrypt the ciphertext, making recovery virtually impossible. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of Android file-based encryption versus older full-disk encryption, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly choose deleted files or cached thumbnails. Remember, while deleted files may leave residual traces, encrypted data without its key is effectively gone. A useful memory tip: “Key lost, data lost—FBE’s final cost.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. 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.
A forensic analyst is examining an Android device that has been factory reset. Which type of data is LEAST likely to be recoverable using forensic tools?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Google account tokens stored in AccountManager
Why wrong: Could be recoverable from /data/system/.
Encrypted app data from /data/data/
File-based encryption keys are wiped; data is inaccessible.
System logs in /data/log/
Why wrong: Some logs may persist after reset.
Deleted text messages from SQLite files
Why wrong: May be partially recoverable from unallocated space.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Encrypted app data from /data/data/
After a factory reset, the /data partition is wiped and re-encrypted with a new key. Encrypted app data stored under /data/data/ is protected by file-based encryption (FBE) using a per-user encryption key that is discarded during the reset. Without the original encryption key, forensic tools cannot decrypt this data, making it the least likely to be recoverable.
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.
Google account tokens stored in AccountManager
Why it's wrong here
Could be recoverable from /data/system/.
Encrypted app data from /data/data/
Why this is correct
File-based encryption keys are wiped; data is inaccessible.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
System logs in /data/log/
Why it's wrong here
Some logs may persist after reset.
Deleted text messages from SQLite files
Why it's wrong here
May be partially recoverable from unallocated space.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that a factory reset makes all data permanently unrecoverable, but the trap here is that encrypted data is truly irrecoverable due to key destruction, whereas unencrypted or synced data may still be retrieved from residual storage or cloud sources.
Detailed technical explanation
Android's file-based encryption (FBE) uses per-file keys derived from a device-unique credential-encrypted key (CEK) that is wiped during factory reset. Even if raw NAND flash is imaged, the encrypted blobs in /data/data/ are useless without the CEK, which is stored in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and destroyed on reset. In contrast, unencrypted SQLite WAL or journal files may persist in free space, allowing recovery of deleted SMS messages despite the reset.
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: Encrypted app data from /data/data/ — After a factory reset, the /data partition is wiped and re-encrypted with a new key. Encrypted app data stored under /data/data/ is protected by file-based encryption (FBE) using a per-user encryption key that is discarded during the reset. Without the original encryption key, forensic tools cannot decrypt this data, making it the least likely to be recoverable.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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 forensic analyst is examining an Android device that has been factory reset. Which of the following artefacts is MOST likely to persist after a factory reset and provide valuable evidence?
hardWhy A: Google account authentication tokens and sync settings are stored in the device's internal flash memory within the 'accounts.db' database and the 'authtoken' table, which are not wiped by a standard factory reset because the reset only clears user data partitions but does not overwrite the underlying NAND flash blocks. These tokens can survive a reset if the device was previously synced with Google servers, allowing recovery of the Google account credentials and sync configurations, which are critical for linking the device to a user identity.
Variation 2. A forensic analyst is examining an Android device that was factory reset before seizure. Which Google account artefacts are MOST likely still recoverable from the device's storage?
mediumWhy C: Factory reset on Android typically wipes user data partitions (e.g., /data) but does not securely overwrite the entire flash storage. Google account authentication tokens (e.g., OAuth 2.0 tokens) and cached account data (e.g., account names, sync settings) are often stored in system-level databases or encrypted key stores that may persist in unallocated or residual flash blocks, especially if TRIM or secure erase was not executed. These artefacts can be recovered via forensic imaging and carving of the raw NAND or eMMC.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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