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GCIH · Question #705

What is an alternate data stream?

The correct answer is A. A file stream on an NTFS partition. An Alternate Data Stream is an NTFS feature that allows a file to contain multiple named data streams beyond its default unnamed primary stream.

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Question

What is an alternate data stream?

Options

  • AA file stream on an NTFS partition
  • BEncoded text within an image file
  • CThe Volume Shadow Copy version of a file
  • DA secondary file stream on a FAT partition

How the community answered

(40 responses)
  • A
    90% (36)
  • B
    3% (1)
  • C
    5% (2)
  • D
    3% (1)

Why each option

An Alternate Data Stream is an NTFS feature that allows a file to contain multiple named data streams beyond its default unnamed primary stream.

AA file stream on an NTFS partitionCorrect

ADS is built into the NTFS file system architecture, allowing additional named streams to be appended to any file or directory using the syntax filename:streamname. The primary unnamed stream holds the standard file data, while named streams can store additional hidden content. This feature is specific to NTFS and is not available on FAT-based file systems.

BEncoded text within an image file

Encoding text within an image file describes steganography, which is a distinct technique for concealing data within image file structures.

CThe Volume Shadow Copy version of a file

A Volume Shadow Copy is a point-in-time snapshot of a volume used for backup and recovery purposes, not a secondary file data stream.

DA secondary file stream on a FAT partition

ADS is exclusive to NTFS - FAT and FAT32 partitions do not support the multiple named data stream architecture that ADS requires.

Concept tested: NTFS Alternate Data Streams definition and file system scope

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-fscc/a82e9105-2405-4e37-b2c3-28c773902d85

Topics

#ADS#NTFS#file streams#Windows

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