Which best describes the purpose of the NSRL project?

The NSRL (National Software Reference Library) project serves the critical function of maintaining a database of known hash values. This database includes hash values for various types of software, file types, and other digital artifacts, which have been collected and verified over time. By comparing the hash values found on digital devices against those in the NSRL database, forensic investigators can quickly identify and categorize known software and files. This significantly streamlines the forensic examination process, allowing investigators to focus on unknown or suspicious files rather than spending time analyzing commonly used software or common file types. The utility of the NSRL extends beyond simple identification; it aids in establishing baselines for normal files and can help in the context of finding anomalies or malware by excluding known safe files from analysis. This makes it an essential tool in digital forensics, particularly in investigations involving large volumes of data.