What must file signatures in the NIST list represent?

File signatures in the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) list are crucial for identifying file types accurately within digital forensic analyses. Specifically, they represent cryptographic hash values of known file types, which serve to establish unique fingerprints for files. These signatures are crucial for validating digital files during investigations and ensuring their integrity.

The NIST list aids in recognizing and classifying file types in a way that supports ongoing research and forensic practices. Hash values included are not only minimal; they are actually robust enough to support investigations and verifications, ensuring that the files have maintained their original integrity from the point of capture to analysis.

Given this context, recognizing file signatures as hash values underscores their role in aiding forensic professionals in quickly and efficiently identifying files while maintaining a high level of evidentiary value.