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.
During a forensic investigation of a Windows system infected with ransomware, the analyst discovers that the malware deleted volume shadow copies using vssadmin.exe. Which anti-forensic technique does this represent, and what is its primary purpose?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Log wiping; to remove forensic evidence of file changes and prevent data recovery
Option B is correct because deleting Volume Shadow Copies using vssadmin.exe is a classic example of log wiping (anti-forensic technique). The primary purpose is to remove forensic evidence of file changes and prevent data recovery, as shadow copies contain previous versions of files that could be used to restore encrypted data or track the ransomware's activity.
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.
✗
Encryption; to encrypt the shadow copies to prevent analysis
Why it's wrong here
The action is deletion, not encryption.
✓
Log wiping; to remove forensic evidence of file changes and prevent data recovery
Why this is correct
Deleting shadow copies removes logs that could be used for recovery, a form of log wiping.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Timestomping; to alter timestamps of the shadow copy files
Why it's wrong here
Timestomping modifies timestamps, not deletion.
✗
Data hiding; to conceal the malware's files within shadow copies
Why it's wrong here
Shadow copies are deleted, not used for hiding.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'deleting shadow copies' with 'data hiding' or 'encryption' because shadow copies are often used for recovery, but the technique is specifically log wiping (anti-forensic) aimed at destroying evidence and preventing restoration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) creates point-in-time snapshots of volumes, stored in a hidden system-protected area. The command 'vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all' removes all shadow copies, making it impossible to recover previous file versions via Windows Previous Versions or forensic tools. In real-world ransomware attacks, this step is often automated to hinder incident response and data recovery efforts.
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: Log wiping; to remove forensic evidence of file changes and prevent data recovery — Option B is correct because deleting Volume Shadow Copies using vssadmin.exe is a classic example of log wiping (anti-forensic technique). The primary purpose is to remove forensic evidence of file changes and prevent data recovery, as shadow copies contain previous versions of files that could be used to restore encrypted data or track the ransomware's activity.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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