Performance analysis of file carving tools

Abstract

File carving is the process of recovering files based on the contents of a file in scenarios where file system metadata is unavailable. In this research a total of 6 file carving tools were tested and reviewed to evaluate the performance quality of each. Comparison of findings to a previous similar study was conducted and showed variable performance advances. A new file carving data set was also authored and testing determined that the wider variety of file types and structures proved challenging for most tools to efficiently recover a high percentage of files. Results also highlighted the ongoing issue with complete recovery and reassembly of fragmented files. Future research is required to provide digital forensic investigators & data recovery practitioners with efficient and accurate file carving tools to maximise file recovery and minimise invalid file output.