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PUBLICATIONS

Approximate Matching: Definition and Terminology

Published

Author(s)

Frank Breitinger, Barbara Guttman, Michael McCarrin, Vassil Roussev, Douglas R. White

Abstract

This document provides a definition of and terminology for approximate matching. Approximate matching is a promising technology designed to identify similarities between two digital artifacts. It is used to find objects that resemble each other or to find objects that are contained in another object. This can be very useful for filtering data for security monitoring, digital forensics, or other applications. The purpose of this document is to provide a definition and terminology to describe approximate matching in order to promote discussion, research, tool development and tool acquisition.
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-168
Report Number
800-168
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

Approximate matching, digital forensics, cryptographic hashing
Information technology, Forensic Science, Digital evidence and Cybersecurity and privacy

Citation

Breitinger, F. , Guttman, B. , McCarrin, M. , Roussev, V. and White, D. (2014), Approximate Matching: Definition and Terminology, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-168 (Accessed October 8, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created July 1, 2014, Updated October 12, 2021
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