What is Metadata & how does it work?

Metadata analysis is used as a crucial tool in discovering significant data and evidence from a range of digital sources. Understanding the attributes of this data and how you can utilise it can prove to significantly improve the context of your legal investigations.

What is Metadata?

Metadata, often described as “data about data,” serves a fundamental role in providing essential information that helps in organising, identifying, and understanding various attributes of a data set. There are several metadata examples, including descriptive, structural, and administrative metadata. The data from these examples are vital for the effective management and utilisation of files and other digital content.

Metadata Attributes

Here are some key metadata attributes and their significance:

• File Author: This attribute indicates the individual or account responsible for creating the file. Knowing the author can provide context about the origin and credibility of the data, as well as help in tracking the data’s source for verification purposes.

• Creation Date: The creation date specifies when the file was originally created. This information is crucial for establishing timelines, tracking the progression of data, and verifying the file’s age and relevance.

• Creation Tool: This identifies the software or tool used to create the file. Understanding the creation tool can be important for compatibility purposes, as well as for forensic analysis, as it might reveal specific version details or software-specific information.

• File Type: The file type indicates the format of the file, such as .docx, .pdf, .jpg, etc. Knowing the file type is essential for determining how to open, edit, or convert the file and can also give insights into the file’s intended use.

• File Size: This attribute provides the size of the file, typically measured in bytes, kilobytes, or megabytes. File size is important for storage management, assessing the comprehensiveness of the data, and for performance considerations during file transfer or processing.

• Modification History: This includes a record of changes made to the file over time, including details about who made the changes and timestamps of when they were made. Modification history is critical for version control, auditing purposes, and understanding the evolution of the file’s content.

Importance of Metadata Analysis

Collectively, metadata attributes enhance the usability and manageability of digital files. By providing structured and detailed information they support efficient data handling and analysis.

In fields such as legal investigations and information management, instructing digital forensics experts to conduct a metadata analysis can serve as an invaluable resource. They support in verifying authenticity, tracing data origins, and ensuring the integrity of digital evidence, whilst reducing manual effort and minimising the risk of errors.