NIST releases updated Reference Data Set to fight computer crime. (General Developments).NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology, Washington, DC, www.nist.gov) The standards-defining agency of the U.S. government, formerly the National Bureau of Standards. It is one of three agencies that fall under the Technology Administration (www.technology. recently released an updated National Software Reference Library (NSRL NSRL National Software Reference Library NSRL NASA Space Radiation Laboratory NSRL National Soybean Research Laboratory (Illinois) NSRL National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory NSRL No Significant Risk Level ) Reference Data Set to assist the law enforcement community in fighting crimes involving computers. The NSRL encompasses a repository of all types of software, including operating systems, vertical applications, database management systems, graphics packages, games, etc. It also includes a database of file profiles, i.e., software fingerprints, that can be used to identify known and unknown files on computers, diskettes, magnetic tapes, CDs, etc., that have been seized pursuant to investigation. Containing over 8 million file signatures, the data set is available at http://www.nist.gov/srd/nistsd28.htm. The NSRL can save an investigator hundreds of hours in an investigation. A single computer or hard disk drive can contain between 10 000 and 50 000 individual files, each of which must be examined for probative value probative value n. evidence which is sufficiently useful to prove something important in a trial. However, probative value of proposed evidence must be weighed against prejudice in the minds of jurors toward the opposing party or criminal defendant. . If multiple computers, disk drives, magnetic tapes, or other media are involved, staff hours could reach into the thousands and take months to finish. The NSRL reduces the time it takes to investigate each computer by allowing the investigator to weed out files that have known profiles and fingerprints in NIST's database. The investigator then can concentrate on the unknown files. NIST produces the NSRL using state-of-the-art software and computers to verify the fingerprints of each software package. A collaboration of NIST, the National Institute of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), division of the U.S. Dept. of Justice charged with investigating all violations of federal laws except those assigned to some other federal agency. , the Defense Cyber Crime Center, other federal, state and local law enforcement, and software vendors, the NSRL is an example of the application of technology to investigate crimes involving computers, such as child pornography Child pornography is the visual representation of minors under the age of 18 engaged in sexual activity or the visual representation of minors engaging in lewd or erotic behavior designed to arouse the viewer's sexual interest. , racketeering Traditionally, obtaining or extorting money illegally or carrying on illegal business activities, usually by Organized Crime . A pattern of illegal activity carried out as part of an enterprise that is owned or controlled by those who are engaged in the illegal activity. , cyber-attacks, illegal gambling, Internet fraud, and software piracy. CONTACT: Barbara Guttman, (301) 975-4207; barbara. guttman@nist.gov. |
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