Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

What is the safest way to identify whether the Tor browser is installed in an unusual location?

1. Check prefetch files

2. Examine task manager

3. Inspect running processes

4. Assess network traffic

The correct answer is: Check prefetch files

The safest way to identify whether the Tor browser is installed in an unusual location is to check prefetch files. Prefetch files on Windows systems are used to speed up the loading of applications. When an application, such as the Tor browser, is run, the operating system creates a prefetch file that contains details about the program's location and usage patterns. By examining these prefetch files, one can determine where the Tor browser is installed and whether that location is unconventional or unexpected. This method is particularly effective because prefetch files provide clear and reliable evidence of application execution, while requiring minimal interaction with the system’s memory or processes, thus reducing the risk of detection by malware or other security mechanisms that might be in place. Additionally, analyzing prefetch files can lead to identifying not only the presence of the Tor browser but also when it was last executed, helping paint a clearer picture of its usage. Other methods, like examining task manager or inspecting running processes, may not always reveal the installation location directly, as they are more focused on current activity rather than providing a historical context or indication of where an application might be installed. Assessing network traffic may indicate Tor browser usage but would not specifically inform about its installation path. Therefore, checking prefetch files stands