Quick Answer
The answer is DKIM-Signature, along with the SPF (Sender Policy Framework) header, as these two email header fields are the primary mechanisms for detecting email spoofing. SPF works by checking the Return-Path domain against a list of authorized sending servers published in DNS, while DKIM uses a digital signature stored in the DKIM-Signature header to verify that the email content was not tampered with during transit and truly came from the claimed domain. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of email forensic artifacts; a common trap is confusing authentication headers with simple routing headers like Received or Message-ID, which do not validate sender identity. Remember that SPF authorizes the server, and DKIM signs the message—think “SPF for the path, DKIM for the proof.”
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of application, email and cloud 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.
Which TWO of the following are valid email header fields that can be used to detect email spoofing? (Select 2)
Subject
Why wrong: Subject line is not used for authentication.
Received-SPF
Indicates SPF check result.
Content-Type
Why wrong: Specifies MIME type, not authentication.
MIME-Version
Why wrong: Indicates MIME version, not security.
DKIM-Signature
Contains the DKIM signature for verification.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Received-SPF
SPF and DKIM are email authentication mechanisms that help detect spoofing. SPF checks if the sending server is authorized, DKIM verifies the email integrity.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Subject
Why it's wrong here
Subject line is not used for authentication.
Received-SPF
Why this is correct
Indicates SPF check result.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Content-Type
Why it's wrong here
Specifies MIME type, not authentication.
MIME-Version
Why it's wrong here
Indicates MIME version, not security.
DKIM-Signature
Why this is correct
Contains the DKIM signature for verification.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CHFI questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CHFI practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Investigation Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Fundamentals and Process.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Storage Forensics and File System Analysis.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Incident Response and First Responder Skills.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Computer Forensics Lab.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Evidence Acquisition and Duplication.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and Network Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to OS and File System Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Application, Email and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Mobile and Malware Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Network and Cloud Forensics.
Practise CHFI questions linked to Database and Application Forensics.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Received-SPF — SPF and DKIM are email authentication mechanisms that help detect spoofing. SPF checks if the sending server is authorized, DKIM verifies the email integrity.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 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.
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.