CHFI Mobile and Malware Forensics Practice Question
During an iOS forensics investigation, an examiner extracts an iTunes backup and finds the SQLite database files. Which TWO of the following databases are LEAST likely to contain forensically relevant artefacts for a communication analysis?
⚠ Common exam trap
EC-Council often tests candidates' familiarity with standard iOS database filenames, and the trap here is that 'data_ark.db' sounds plausible (like an 'ark' for data) but is not a real iOS database, leading examinees to overlook it as a distractor.
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
✓
data_ark.db
B is correct because data_ark.db is not a standard iOS SQLite database; it does not exist in typical iOS backups or file systems. The name suggests a fabricated or non-standard artefact, making it least likely to contain forensically relevant communication data. In contrast, databases like SMS.db and call_history.db are well-documented repositories for SMS messages and call logs, respectively.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SMS.db
Why it's wrong here
SMS.db is highly relevant as it stores all SMS and iMessage conversations.
- ✓
data_ark.db
Why this is correct
Not a standard iOS backup database; likely not present or relevant.
- ✗
AddressBook.db
Why it's wrong here
Contains contacts; relevant for identifying communication partners.
- ✓
tmp.db
Why this is correct
tmp.db is a temporary database, often empty or containing transient data; not primary artefact.
- ✗
call_history.db
Why it's wrong here
Contains call logs; relevant for communication analysis.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.