Quick Answer
The answer is log2timeline, part of the Plaso framework, which is the best tool for timeline analysis with log2timeline because it is specifically designed to parse, correlate, and aggregate timestamps from diverse log sources like /var/log/auth.log. Unlike simple grep or awk commands that only filter text, log2timeline extracts each event’s timestamp, source, and metadata, then builds a unified super timeline that reveals patterns such as repeated brute-force SSH attempts from 10.0.0.5. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of forensic timeline creation and the distinction between raw log viewing and automated correlation—a common trap is choosing a log viewer like less or a scripting tool, which lack the temporal correlation engine of Plaso. Remember the mnemonic: “Plaso Pastes Logs And Sorts Orderly”—log2timeline is the go-to when the exam asks for “timeline analysis” or “correlation of events across multiple logs.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network 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.
During a forensic investigation of a compromised Linux server, an analyst checks /var/log/auth.log and finds multiple entries like "Failed password for root from 10.0.0.5 port 22 ssh2". Which tool is BEST suited to analyze the timeline of these events?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Nmap
Why wrong: Nmap is a network scanner, not a forensic analysis tool.
Wireshark
Why wrong: Wireshark is a packet analyzer, not a timeline analysis tool.
log2timeline
log2timeline is the standard tool for creating super timelines from log files.
Autopsy
Why wrong: Autopsy is a digital forensics platform but not specialized for timeline creation from logs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
log2timeline
log2timeline (part of Plaso) is designed for timeline analysis of log files, including auth.log. It parses and correlates timestamps.
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.
Nmap
Why it's wrong here
Nmap is a network scanner, not a forensic analysis tool.
Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark is a packet analyzer, not a timeline analysis tool.
log2timeline
Why this is correct
log2timeline is the standard tool for creating super timelines from log files.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Autopsy
Why it's wrong here
Autopsy is a digital forensics platform but not specialized for timeline creation from logs.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: log2timeline — log2timeline (part of Plaso) is designed for timeline analysis of log files, including auth.log. It parses and correlates timestamps.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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