ACI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which scenario would require a accessdata certified investigator professional to escalate a accessdata investigator cybercrime investigation techniques concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
2. Which SQLite database on an iPhone stores both SMS and iMessage communications? → sms.db
3. During a risk management & mitigation audit, which documentation is most critical to have readily available? → Conducting root cause analysis to identify underlying systemic issues
4. What is the forensic significance of a 'deleted' flag in a SQLite database found on a mobile device? → The record is marked for deletion but the data may still be fully recoverable
5. What is the primary objective of quality assurance & compliance within the ACI professional framework? → Analyzing data systematically using validated assessment tools
6. In a corporate forensic investigation, what forensic value can Mobile Device Management (MDM) system records provide? → They contain device activity logs, app install records, and policy compliance history
7. A new regulation impacts accessdata investigator data recovery & file evaluation procedures. What should a ACI professional do first? → Ensuring compliance with current regulatory requirements and standards
8. Why is maintaining the chain of custody critical in forensic investigations? → To ensure digital evidence remains admissible
9. Which forensic tool is commonly used in cybercrime investigations? → EnCase
10. Which type of records can investigators subpoena from cellular carriers to establish a mobile device's historical location and communication activity? → Call Detail Records (CDRs) from cellular carriers
11. During a network intrusion investigation, what is the significance of identifying a 'beaconing' pattern in firewall logs? → It suggests malware is periodically checking in with a C2 server
12. Which AccessData tool is specifically designed for mobile device data parsing and analysis, including iOS iTunes backups? → FTK Mobile Phone Examiner Plus (MPE+)
13. Which scenario would require a accessdata certified investigator professional to escalate a accessdata investigator data recovery & file evaluation concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
14. What is the primary objective of professional ethics & standards within the ACI professional framework? → Analyzing data systematically using validated assessment tools
15. Which of the following is a key performance indicator for evaluating quality assurance & compliance effectiveness? → Prioritizing based on risk assessment and potential impact
16. Which tool or methodology is most appropriate for analyzing accessdata investigator legal & ethics outcomes? → Maintaining professional boundaries while building collaborative relationships
17. What is the recommended frequency for reviewing and updating accessdata investigator digital forensics & evidence analysis protocols? → Monitoring outcomes through regular data collection and trend analysis
18. What ethical concern arises in forensic investigations? → Ensuring objectivity in investigations
19. What is file carving in forensic data recovery? → A method to recover fragmented or deleted files
20. When a mobile device is found powered off at a crime scene, what is the recommended forensic approach? → Keep the device powered off, document its state, and transport it in a Faraday bag
21. Which FTK feature allows an investigator to automatically flag files that match known malware hash values? → Known File Filter (KFF) with hash sets
22. A new regulation impacts accessdata investigator digital forensics & evidence analysis procedures. What should a ACI professional do first? → Ensuring compliance with current regulatory requirements and standards
23. What distinguishes an advanced accessdata certified investigator practitioner's approach to professional ethics & standards from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
24. What is the primary advantage of using FTK's database-driven architecture compared to older forensic tools? → It allows multiple investigators to simultaneously access and work on the same case
25. During a quality assurance & compliance audit, which documentation is most critical to have readily available? → Conducting root cause analysis to identify underlying systemic issues
26. Which of the following is a key performance indicator for evaluating risk management & mitigation effectiveness? → Prioritizing based on risk assessment and potential impact
27. What is the first step when handling a mobile device at a crime scene to preserve evidence integrity? → Place the device in a Faraday bag to prevent wireless network connectivity
28. Which tool is commonly used for forensic analysis of digital devices? → Autopsy
29. What is a phishing attack in cybercrime? → A technique to trick users into revealing sensitive information
30. What types of investigative data can EXIF metadata embedded in mobile device photographs provide? → GPS coordinates, device model, manufacturer, and timestamp