Which investigative method focuses on data attributes that describe files and their history?

The investigative method that focuses on data attributes describing files and their history is metadata examination. Metadata provides essential information about a file beyond its content, including details such as the creation date, modification date, access history, file size, and any associated permissions. This information is crucial for forensic investigations, as it can reveal important insights into the file's lifecycle and usage, helping to establish timelines, accountability, and context surrounding the data.

When analyzing cases, investigators often rely on metadata to understand how files were manipulated or accessed. By examining this information, they can uncover patterns of behavior, identify unauthorized access, and build a clearer picture of the events leading up to an incident.

The other methods listed do not focus specifically on the attributes and history of files. Data encryption deals with securing data to protect it from unauthorized access, encryption analysis evaluates the security of encrypted data, and hash value comparison is used to verify the integrity of files by comparing their unique hash values. While these methods are important in digital forensics, they do not center on the descriptive attributes of files in the way that metadata examination does.