NIST'S Computer Forensics Tool Testing project helps to assure the accuracy of computer forensics investigations. (General Developments).

The first test report based on the Computer Forensics Tool Testing (CFTT) program was published by the National Institute of Justice at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/196352.htm. The test report documents results of testing dd GNU fileutils 4.0.36 provided with Red Hat Linux 7.1 and resulted in procedural changes in computer forensics laboratories across the country. NIST developed the CFTT to provide a measure of assurance that the tools used in computer forensics investigations produce accurate results. NIST researchers accomplished this by developing specifications and test methods for computer forensics tools. Currently, specifications are available for disk imaging and software write blocking tools. The test specifications and methods provide the information necessary for toolmakers to improve tools, for users to make informed choices about acquiring and using computer forensics tools, and for the legal community and others to understand the tools' capabilities. The NIST approach for testing compu ter forensic tools is based on well-recognized methodologies for conformance testing and quality testing.

The CFTT is a joint project of the National Institute of Justice, NIST, and other law enforcement agencies with participation from the broader computer forensics community. For more information, see www.cftt.nist.gov.

CONTACT: James Lyle, [phone]; [e-mail].