Sub-file Hashing Strategies for Fast Contraband Detection

McKeown, Sean; Russell, Gordon; Leimich, Petra

Abstract

Traditional digital forensics processes do not scale well with the huge quantities of data present in a modern investigation, resulting in large investigative backlogs for many law enforcement agencies. Data reduction techniques are required for fast and effective digital forensics triage, and to reduce the time taken to conduct an investigation. This work explores the potential of sub-file cryptographic hashing strategies, where small fragments of files are hashed in lieu of processing the file in its entirety, for contraband detection. Results show that subfile hashing techniques perform well, particularly on solid state media, while also retaining a high degree of discriminating power. Such strategies may offer an opportunity to take advantage of the performance characteristics of non-mechanical media, streamlining future investigations and greatly reducing investigation times.

Citation

McKeown, S., Russell, G., & Leimich, P. (2018). Sub-file Hashing Strategies for Fast Contraband Detection. In 2018 International Conference on Cyber Security and Protection of Digital Services (Cyber Security). https://doi.org/10.1109/CyberSecPODS.2018.8560680

• Conference Name: IEEE International Conference on Cyber Security and Protection of Digital Services (Cyber Security 2018)
• Conference Location: Glasgow, Scotland
• Start Date: Jun 11, 2018
• End Date: Jun 12, 2018
• Acceptance Date: Mar 31, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 6, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 24, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 6, 2018
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Book Title: 2018 International Conference on Cyber Security and Protection of Digital Services (Cyber Security)
• ISBN: 9781538646847
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/CyberSecPODS.2018.8560680
• Keywords: sub-file signatures, partial-file analysis, hashing strategies, digital forensics, cryptographic hashing
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1160940