The answer is `adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all`, which creates a full device backup for forensic analysis. This command is correct because it captures both app data (via `-apk`) and shared storage like the internal `/sdcard` (via `-shared`), outputting everything into a single `.ab` file that preserves the data partition’s structure for examination. On the CHFI exam, this tests your understanding of ADB’s non-rooted backup capabilities, a key technique when physical acquisition isn’t possible. A common trap is forgetting the `-shared` flag, which would omit critical user files and media, or confusing this with `adb pull` for specific directories. To remember the full backup command, think of the mnemonic “Full Android Backup” — the flags spell FAB: `-f` for output file, `-apk` for apps, `-shared` for storage, and `-all` for everything.
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 an Android device, the examiner uses ADB to extract data. Which command would create a full backup of the device's data partition, including app data and shared storage?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all
Option A is correct because the `adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all` command creates a full Android backup that includes both app data (via `-apk`) and shared storage (via `-shared`), outputting a single `.ab` file. This is the standard ADB method for non-rooted devices to capture a comprehensive backup of the data partition, including user-installed apps and their data, as well as internal shared storage like `/sdcard`.
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.
✓
adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all
Why this is correct
This command creates a full backup including APKs, shared storage, and all app data to 'backup.ab'.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
This creates a physical image using dd, but requires root access and is not a typical ADB backup command.
✗
adb pull /data/data/
Why it's wrong here
The 'adb pull' command retrieves individual files/directories but does not create a full backup archive.
✗
adb restore backup.ab
Why it's wrong here
This restores data from a backup file, not creates one.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between backup creation (`adb backup`) and restoration (`adb restore`), or between logical backups (ADB backup) and physical imaging (`dd`), leading candidates to confuse the purpose of each command.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This creates a physical image using dd, but requires root access and is not a typical ADB backup command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `adb backup` command uses Android's Backup Manager to create a tar-based archive (encapsulated in the Android Backup format with a header), which can include APKs, app data, and shared storage without root. However, note that on Android 4.0 and later, the `-apk` flag includes the APK files themselves, but the backup does not include system apps or protected app data (e.g., from apps that explicitly opt out via `android:allowBackup=false`). In real-world forensics, this command is often used as a first step on locked devices, but it may fail if the device does not confirm the backup on-screen.
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: adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all — Option A is correct because the `adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -shared -all` command creates a full Android backup that includes both app data (via `-apk`) and shared storage (via `-shared`), outputting a single `.ab` file. This is the standard ADB method for non-rooted devices to capture a comprehensive backup of the data partition, including user-installed apps and their data, as well as internal shared storage like `/sdcard`.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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