- A
Performing a logical acquisition via ADB
Why wrong: ADB is for Android, not iOS.
- B
Using Cellebrite UFED to force a physical extraction without backup
Why wrong: Cellebrite can perform physical extraction, but that is separate from backup decryption. The question is about accessing encrypted backups specifically.
- C
Obtaining the backup password from the device owner through legal process
If legally permissible, the user can provide the password.
- D
Brute-forcing the backup password using a tool like Elcomsoft Phone Breaker
Elcomsoft can perform brute-force attacks on iTunes backup passwords.
- E
Using GrayKey to bypass the device passcode and then extract the backup key
GrayKey can often bypass the iOS passcode and allow access to the device, including encrypted backup keys.
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 mobile forensic examination of an iOS device, the analyst encounters encrypted backups. Which THREE of the following are valid methods to access the data?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Obtaining the backup password from the device owner through legal process
Option C is correct because obtaining the backup password from the device owner through a legal process is a standard and valid method to access encrypted iOS backups. The backup password is required to decrypt the backup data, and if the owner provides it voluntarily or through a court order, the forensic analyst can legally access the encrypted backup contents.
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.
- ✗
Performing a logical acquisition via ADB
Why it's wrong here
ADB is for Android, not iOS.
- ✗
Using Cellebrite UFED to force a physical extraction without backup
Why it's wrong here
Cellebrite can perform physical extraction, but that is separate from backup decryption. The question is about accessing encrypted backups specifically.
- ✓
Obtaining the backup password from the device owner through legal process
Why this is correct
If legally permissible, the user can provide the password.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Brute-forcing the backup password using a tool like Elcomsoft Phone Breaker
Why this is correct
Elcomsoft can perform brute-force attacks on iTunes backup passwords.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Using GrayKey to bypass the device passcode and then extract the backup key
Why this is correct
GrayKey can often bypass the iOS passcode and allow access to the device, including encrypted backup keys.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that physical extraction is always possible on iOS devices, but hardware encryption and the Secure Enclave make physical extraction infeasible on modern iPhones without the passcode or backup password.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
iOS backups are encrypted using a key derived from the backup password via PBKDF2, and the encrypted backup is stored in a .plist file with the backup password hash. The Secure Enclave on iOS devices (A7 chip and later) prevents brute-force attacks on the device passcode, but backup passwords can be attacked offline using tools like Elcomsoft Phone Breaker, which leverages GPU acceleration to test password candidates against the backup's keychain data.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Mobile and Malware Forensics — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CHFI question test?
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: Obtaining the backup password from the device owner through legal process — Option C is correct because obtaining the backup password from the device owner through a legal process is a standard and valid method to access encrypted iOS backups. The backup password is required to decrypt the backup data, and if the owner provides it voluntarily or through a court order, the forensic analyst can legally access the encrypted backup contents.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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