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 malware investigation, an analyst examines a suspicious file that appears to have been timestomped. Which THREE of the following techniques or tools can be used to detect timestamp manipulation on Windows?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Examining the file’s $STANDARD_INFORMATION vs $FILE_NAME timestamps using tools like MFT2CSV
Option A is correct because timestomping modifies the $STANDARD_INFORMATION attribute, but the $FILE_NAME attribute retains the original timestamps from when the file was created or renamed. Tools like MFT2CSV parse the MFT to compare these two sets of timestamps; a discrepancy indicates manipulation.
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.
✓
Examining the file’s $STANDARD_INFORMATION vs $FILE_NAME timestamps using tools like MFT2CSV
Why this is correct
Timestomping often changes $SI but not $FN; comparing them can reveal manipulation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Capturing network traffic with Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Network traffic analysis is unrelated to file timestamp manipulation.
✗
Using Regshot to compare registry snapshots
Why it's wrong here
Regshot compares registry changes, not file timestamps.
✓
Running the Timestomp tool to analyze the file’s timestamp attributes
Why this is correct
Timestomp is a tool specifically designed to detect and manipulate timestamps.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Analyzing the USN journal for file modification records
Why this is correct
The USN journal logs all file changes; timestomping may show discrepancies between MFT and journal times.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between filesystem metadata attributes (SI vs FN) and common forensic tools, leading candidates to mistakenly think network or registry analysis can detect timestamp manipulation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The NTFS Master File Table (MFT) stores two primary timestamp sets: $STANDARD_INFORMATION (SI) and $FILE_NAME (FN). The SI timestamps are easily modified via API calls like SetFileTime, while FN timestamps are updated only by the filesystem when the file is renamed or moved. Timestomping tools alter SI but leave FN unchanged, making the comparison a reliable detection method. The USN journal (Option E) logs every file modification, including changes to timestamps, providing an additional forensic trail.
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: Examining the file’s $STANDARD_INFORMATION vs $FILE_NAME timestamps using tools like MFT2CSV — Option A is correct because timestomping modifies the $STANDARD_INFORMATION attribute, but the $FILE_NAME attribute retains the original timestamps from when the file was created or renamed. Tools like MFT2CSV parse the MFT to compare these two sets of timestamps; a discrepancy indicates manipulation.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.