hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: During incident analysis, a forensic examiner…
During incident analysis, a forensic examiner finds that the system logs were cleared using a command that writes null bytes. Which artifact is most likely preserved?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that cleared logs are permanently lost, but VSS provides a forensic backup that persists independently of active log deletion.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Volume shadow copies
Volume shadow copies (VSS) are snapshots of the file system at a point in time, stored separately from the active logs. Even if an attacker clears logs by writing null bytes (e.g., using `fsutil` or `wevtutil cl`), VSS may retain a previous version of the logs, making them a critical artifact for forensic recovery.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Event logs from other systems
Why it's wrong here
Event logs from other systems are not stored on the compromised system.
- ✗
Prefetch files
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch files may also be cleared or overwritten.
- ✗
Registry keys
Why it's wrong here
Registry keys could be altered or deleted by the attacker.
- ✓
Volume shadow copies
Why this is correct
Volume Shadow Copies can provide historical snapshots that may contain the original log data.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 SSCP exam.