The answer is Apple Unified Logging. This is correct because the `log show` command with a `--predicate` flag directly queries the unified logging system introduced in macOS 10.12, which centralizes all system, kernel, and application logs into a single, high-performance data store. The predicate `eventMessage contains "disk"` filters the log stream for entries related to disk activity, and the `--last 1h` parameter limits the search to the most recent hour, making this a standard technique for real-time or post-incident forensic analysis. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish Apple Unified Logging from older, deprecated log files like `system.log` or `ASL`; a common trap is confusing the `log show` command with the `syslog` utility or assuming logs are stored in plain text. Remember the mnemonic “Unified Logs, Unified Command” — if you see `log show` with a predicate, you are always querying the Apple Unified Logging system, not a traditional log file.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network 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 examines a Mac system and runs "log show --predicate 'eventMessage contains "disk"' --last 1h" in Terminal. This command extracts Unified Log entries related to disk activity. Which macOS forensic artifact is the analyst MOST likely querying?
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
✓
Apple Unified Logging
The 'log show' command with --predicate queries the Apple Unified Logging system, which centralizes logs from various subsystems.
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.
✗
.plist files
Why it's wrong here
Property list files store configuration data; they are not queried with 'log show'.
✗
FSEvents
Why it's wrong here
FSEvents records file system change events, but it is not accessed via the 'log show' command; it uses fseventsd.
✗
Core Storage logs
Why it's wrong here
Core Storage relates to disk encryption; it is not typically accessed with 'log show'.
✓
Apple Unified Logging
Why this is correct
The 'log show' command retrieves entries from the unified logging system, which encompasses system and user activity logs.
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
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Property list files store configuration data; they are not queried with 'log show'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apple Unified Logging — The 'log show' command with --predicate queries the Apple Unified Logging system, which centralizes logs from various subsystems.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
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.
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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