STRINGS is a form of which utility?

STRINGS is a utility that is specifically designed for extracting printable strings of text from binary files. Its primary function revolves around analyzing files and searching for sequences of characters that can be interpreted as human-readable text. This capability allows investigators to gather useful information from binaries or files that don't typically reveal their contents in a straightforward manner, making text searching its core purpose.

In digital investigations, being able to quickly extract readable text from various file types is crucial, as it can assist in identifying relevant data, potential evidence, or indicators of suspicious activity. The STRINGS utility acts as a powerful tool for forensic investigators who need to perform effective text searching within files that may otherwise seem opaque.

In the context of the other options, while JPEG files relate to image formats, disk imaging pertains to creating an exact copy of a storage device, and data carving refers to recovering pieces of data from files based on file signatures or content. These processes do not focus specifically on text extraction, highlighting the distinct function served by STRINGS in the realm of text searching.