NTFS File System
Key Features
- • Journaling: Transaction logging for crash recovery
- • Security: Access Control Lists (ACLs) and encryption support
- • Compression: Built-in file and folder compression
- • Quotas: Disk space usage limits per user
- • Alternate Data Streams: Hidden data storage within files
Erasure Implications
- • Master File Table (MFT) contains file metadata
- • Journal files record file system changes
- • Alternate Data Streams can hide sensitive information
- • File slack space may contain data remnants
- • Deleted file entries remain in MFT until overwritten
FAT32 & exFAT File Systems
FAT32 Characteristics
- • Simple file allocation table structure
- • Cross-platform compatibility
- • 4GB maximum file size limitation
- • No built-in encryption or access controls
- • Directory entries store file names and attributes
exFAT Features
- • Support for files larger than 4GB
- • Optimized for flash memory devices
- • Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- • Simplified structure with reduced overhead
- • Cluster boundary alignment for complete erasure