Quick Answer
The answer is log wiping. When malware writes to a Run key and creates a scheduled task, it establishes persistence mechanisms that security tools and forensic analysts actively monitor. If the malware later deletes or modifies these entries to cover its tracks, it is performing anti-forensic log wiping to remove persistence evidence, thereby hindering detection and incident response. On the CHFI exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how attackers counter forensic analysis by erasing traces of their foothold. A common trap is confusing log wiping with data hiding or encryption, but the key distinction is that log wiping specifically targets evidence of system changes, such as registry keys and task scheduler entries. Remember the mnemonic: "Persistence leaves a trail; log wiping sweeps it clean." This technique is a core anti-forensic strategy that exam questions often pair with dynamic analysis tools like Any.run to see if you can identify the intent behind post-execution cleanup.
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 dynamic analysis of a malware sample in Any.run, an analyst observes that the malware writes a value to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and also creates a scheduled task named 'UpdateTask'. Which anti-forensic technique is the malware MOST likely attempting to counter?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Packing
Why wrong: Packing obfuscates the binary, not persistence settings.
Encryption
Why wrong: Encryption is used to hide content, not persistence.
Timestomping
Why wrong: Timestomping modifies file timestamps, not persistence entries.
Log wiping
Creating persistence and then cleaning up traces is a form of log wiping to hide its presence.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Log wiping
Persistence mechanisms like Run keys and scheduled tasks are often monitored by security tools. If malware attempts to delete or modify these after execution, it is trying to remove evidence of persistence, which is a form of log wiping or anti-forensics.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Packing
Why it's wrong here
Packing obfuscates the binary, not persistence settings.
Encryption
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is used to hide content, not persistence.
Timestomping
Why it's wrong here
Timestomping modifies file timestamps, not persistence entries.
Log wiping
Why this is correct
Creating persistence and then cleaning up traces is a form of log wiping to hide its presence.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Mobile and Malware Forensics — This question tests Mobile and Malware Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Log wiping — Persistence mechanisms like Run keys and scheduled tasks are often monitored by security tools. If malware attempts to delete or modify these after execution, it is trying to remove evidence of persistence, which is a form of log wiping or anti-forensics.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 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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