Which type of analysis is necessary to correct the File Category of a renamed .jpeg file?

To correct the File Category of a renamed .jpeg file, signature analysis is essential. This type of analysis involves examining the file's header and footer to identify its true format based on its unique binary signatures, which are characteristic sequences of bytes that define specific file types. When a file is renamed—such as changing a .jpeg file to a .txt extension—the actual content of the file remains unchanged. Signature analysis allows forensic analysts to look beyond the file name and determine its true type based on the data contained within the file itself.

While metadata analysis could provide some information about the file, such as creation date and modification history, it does not directly assist in identifying the correct file category after a rename. File content analysis involves inspecting the actual data within the file, which is also relevant but does not focus primarily on the identification of a file type based solely on its signature. File size analysis may provide insights into the file, but it is not specific enough to determine the file's true format when the extension has been changed. Thus, signature analysis is the most reliable method for correctly categorizing the file type.