Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI v10) — Question 530

Smith, as a part his forensic investigation assignment, seized a mobile device. He was asked to recover the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM card) data in the mobile device. Smith found that the SIM was protected by a Personal Identification Number (PIN) code, but he was also aware that people generally leave the PIN numbers to the defaults or use easily guessable numbers such as 1234. He made three unsuccessful attempts, which blocked the SIM card. What can Jason do in this scenario to reset the PIN and access SIM data?

Answer options

• A. He should contact the network operator for a Temporary Unlock Code (TUK)
• B. Use system and hardware tools to gain access
• C. He can attempt PIN guesses after 24 hours
• D. He should contact the network operator for Personal Unlock Number (PUK)

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D because the Personal Unlock Number (PUK) is specifically designed to unlock a blocked SIM card after multiple incorrect PIN attempts. Option A is incorrect as a Temporary Unlock Code (TUK) is not typically used for unlocking SIM cards. Option B is not valid because hardware tools cannot bypass SIM security. Option C is misleading since waiting 24 hours does not reset the PIN attempts; the PUK is necessary to unlock the SIM.