The answer is Google account tokens and cached credentials, as these are the data remnants most likely recoverable from a factory reset Android device using advanced forensic techniques. This is because a factory reset typically only marks the storage blocks in NAND flash memory as available for reuse, rather than physically overwriting them; forensic methods like chip-off or JTAG can directly read the raw flash and extract residual authentication tokens and cached credentials that remain in unallocated space. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of flash memory architecture and the difference between logical erasure and physical data persistence—a common trap is assuming a factory reset fully sanitizes all data, when in fact user-generated files like photos or contacts are often overwritten by the reset process, while system-level tokens survive. Remember the mnemonic “Tokens Survive the Wipe” to recall that authentication tokens and cached credentials persist in flash memory after a factory reset.
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.
A forensic analyst receives a mobile device that has been factory reset. Which of the following types of data is MOST likely to be recoverable using advanced forensic techniques?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Google account tokens and cached credentials
Option C is correct because a factory reset typically does not overwrite the flash memory where Google account tokens and cached credentials are stored. Advanced forensic techniques, such as chip-off or JTAG, can recover these remnants from the NAND flash memory, as the reset only marks the storage blocks as available for reuse without physically erasing the data.
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.
✗
Deleted text messages and call logs, but not app data
Why it's wrong here
After factory reset, the encryption key is gone, so data is typically unrecoverable.
✗
All user data, as factory reset only deletes file pointers
Why it's wrong here
On modern devices with encryption, factory reset destroys encryption keys, making data unrecoverable.
✓
Google account tokens and cached credentials
Why this is correct
Some tokens may persist in NVRAM or other storage; advanced techniques like chip-off may recover them.
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.
✗
No data is recoverable after a factory reset on modern devices
Why it's wrong here
While difficult, some data may still be recoverable via physical methods on devices without full encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that a factory reset is equivalent to a secure wipe, but in reality, it only deletes file pointers and leaves residual data in unallocated flash memory, which advanced forensic techniques can recover.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a factory reset on Android devices executes a `wipe_data` command that reformats the `/data` partition using `mkfs.ext4` or `f2fs`, which only overwrites file system metadata, not the underlying physical blocks. Advanced forensic tools like Cellebrite UFED or XRY can bypass the file system and read raw NAND pages, recovering Google account tokens (e.g., OAuth2 tokens stored in `accounts.db`) and cached credentials from unallocated space. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for accessing cloud backups or unlocking device encryption after a reset.
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: Google account tokens and cached credentials — Option C is correct because a factory reset typically does not overwrite the flash memory where Google account tokens and cached credentials are stored. Advanced forensic techniques, such as chip-off or JTAG, can recover these remnants from the NAND flash memory, as the reset only marks the storage blocks as available for reuse without physically erasing the data.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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