What is the National Software Reference Library (NSRL) designed to do?

The National Software Reference Library (NSRL) is specifically designed to gather and maintain a comprehensive repository of known hash values for various software applications and operating system files. By compiling this extensive database, the NSRL serves as a tool for law enforcement and forensic investigators to identify known software and files during forensic examinations. When investigators analyze a device, they can compare the hash values of files against those in the NSRL to quickly ascertain whether a file is legitimate software or potentially malicious or pirated material. This functionality aids in streamlining digital forensic investigations and enhances the accuracy of file classification without needing to analyze the content of every file individually.

The other options, while related to software, do not accurately represent the NSRL's primary focus. Collecting known programming languages, developing new operating systems, or analyzing software for security vulnerabilities do not reflect the NSRL's intent to create a reference library that exclusively compiles hash values for recognized software, thereby facilitating the identification process in digital forensics.