The correct answer is the GoogleLoginService accounts and tokens stored in the accounts.db file. This SQLite database, located in the /data/system/ directory, is the core artifact for Google account information on an Android device because the Android Account Manager uses it to store all configured account credentials, including email addresses and authentication tokens that enable sync and access. On the CHFI exam, this tests your understanding of where the operating system natively persists user identity data, often contrasting it with less reliable sources like browser caches or third-party app databases. A common trap is to overlook the accounts.db file in favor of the /data/data/ directory, but remember that system-level account management is handled under /data/system/, not per-app data. Memory tip: think of accounts.db as the “master keychain” for Google identity—if you find it, you have the user’s primary account footprint.
CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of mobile and malware forensics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 forensics investigation of an Android device, the examiner finds that the user's Google account data is stored locally. Which TWO of the following artefacts are typically stored in the device's /data/system/ or /data/data/ directories related to Google account information?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
accounts.db
The accounts.db file in /data/system/ is the SQLite database that stores all Google account credentials, including email addresses and authentication tokens used by the Android Account Manager. This is a primary artifact for identifying which Google accounts were configured on the device and their sync status.
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.
✓
accounts.db
Why this is correct
Accounts.db contains account credentials and sync settings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
GoogleLoginService.java
Why it's wrong here
Java source files are not stored as artefacts; compiled code is in .dex files.
✗
contacts.db
Why it's wrong here
contacts.db is a user data file, not specifically Google account information.
✗
SMS.db
Why it's wrong here
SMS.db stores text messages, not account info.
✓
GoogleLoginService accounts and tokens
Why this is correct
GoogleLoginService stores authentication tokens for Google services.
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 distinction between source code files (like .java) and compiled runtime artifacts, leading candidates to confuse AOSP source code with actual device-stored data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The GoogleLoginService accounts and tokens are stored in /data/system/accounts.db under the 'accounts' and 'authtokens' tables, with the 'type' field set to 'com.google' for Google accounts. These tokens are OAuth2-based and can be extracted via ADB backup or physical acquisition; they are critical for accessing Google services like Gmail and Drive without re-authentication.
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: accounts.db — The accounts.db file in /data/system/ is the SQLite database that stores all Google account credentials, including email addresses and authentication tokens used by the Android Account Manager. This is a primary artifact for identifying which Google accounts were configured on the device and their sync status.
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.
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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
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