The answer is tmp.db and data_ark.db, as these two databases are least likely to contain forensically relevant artefacts for communication analysis. tmp.db is a temporary SQLite database used by iOS for caching or transient data, not for storing persistent communication records like SMS, calls, or chat logs. data_ark.db is not a standard iOS database at all; its name suggests a fabricated or non-standard artefact, making it irrelevant in a real forensic extraction. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between core iOS communication databases—such as SMS.db for messages and call_history.db for call logs—and non-standard or temporary files that examiners might overlook. A common trap is assuming any .db file holds forensic value, but the key is recognizing that iOS stores persistent communication data only in well-documented, system-level databases. Memory tip: think “temp and fake” for tmp.db and data_ark.db—they won’t hold the talk.
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.
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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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.
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.
✗
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
call_history.db
Why it's wrong here
Contains call logs; relevant for communication analysis.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
iOS backups store SQLite databases in a structured directory under the 'Library' folder; SMS.db resides in /private/var/mobile/Library/SMS/ and uses a schema with tables like 'message' and 'chat' for message content and metadata. The tmp.db file is a temporary database often used by apps for caching or transient data, and its contents are typically volatile or non-persistent, lacking the structured communication records found in persistent databases like SMS.db or call_history.db. In real-world forensics, examiners must distinguish between standard iOS databases and app-specific or temporary files to avoid wasting time on irrelevant artefacts.
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: 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.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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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