What do "exhibits" represent in FTK?

In the context of FTK and forensic investigations, "exhibits" refer specifically to individual pieces of evidence that are gathered and included in the investigation process. Each exhibit corresponds to an item or artifact that can be analyzed and evaluated for its relevance to the case being examined. Exhibits can range from digital files, photographs, emails, documents, and other forms of data that are crucial for building a comprehensive picture of the events being investigated.

In forensic terms, categorizing and labeling items as exhibits is essential for maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring that evidence can be accurately referenced during analysis and in legal proceedings. This clearly distinguishes them from other items like hardware, which serve a different purpose in investigations, or software tools that do not represent evidence themselves but rather facilitate the examination of evidence. Understanding exhibits within this framework is crucial for someone preparing for the FTK AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) certification, as it aligns directly with best practices in digital forensic investigations.