Quick Answer
The correct answer is Alternate Data Streams (ADS), a feature of the NTFS file system that allows multiple data streams to be attached to a single file, such as a 'hidden.txt' stream linked to 'notes.txt'. This is possible because NTFS treats each file as a set of attributes, with the primary unnamed stream holding the visible content and additional named streams storing hidden data, metadata, or even executables without altering the file’s size or modified timestamp in standard views. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your understanding of NTFS forensic artifacts and common data-hiding techniques; a frequent trap is confusing ADS with file slack or encryption, but remember that ADS is a native NTFS feature, not a third-party tool. For a quick memory tip, think of ADS as a “secret pocket in a file’s backpack”—the main file stays the same, but you can stash extra data in a separate, named compartment that standard directory listings won’t show.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of storage forensics and file system analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
During a forensic examination of an NTFS drive, an investigator finds that a file 'notes.txt' has an additional data stream named 'hidden.txt' attached. Which feature of NTFS allows this?
USN Journal
Why wrong: USN Journal logs changes to files, not data streams.
MFT
Why wrong: The Master File Table stores file metadata but is not the mechanism for ADS.
Alternate Data Streams (ADS)
ADS allows hiding data in separate streams attached to a file.
Slack space
Why wrong: Slack space is unused space in clusters, not a stream.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Alternate Data Streams (ADS)
C is correct because NTFS supports Alternate Data Streams (ADS), a feature that allows multiple data streams to be associated with a single file. The 'hidden.txt' stream attached to 'notes.txt' is a classic example of ADS, which can be used to hide data or store metadata without affecting the file's primary content.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
USN Journal
Why it's wrong here
USN Journal logs changes to files, not data streams.
MFT
Why it's wrong here
The Master File Table stores file metadata but is not the mechanism for ADS.
Alternate Data Streams (ADS)
Why this is correct
ADS allows hiding data in separate streams attached to a file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Slack space
Why it's wrong here
Slack space is unused space in clusters, not a stream.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse ADS with slack space or the MFT, thinking that any hidden data in NTFS must be in slack space or metadata, when ADS is the specific feature for named additional streams.
Detailed technical explanation
ADS works by allowing a file to have multiple forks, each with its own stream name and data, stored in the MFT's $DATA attributes. A common real-world scenario is malware using ADS to hide executable code within seemingly benign files, which can be detected using tools like 'streams.exe' from Sysinternals or PowerShell's Get-Item with the -Stream parameter.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — This question tests Storage Forensics and File System Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Alternate Data Streams (ADS) — C is correct because NTFS supports Alternate Data Streams (ADS), a feature that allows multiple data streams to be associated with a single file. The 'hidden.txt' stream attached to 'notes.txt' is a classic example of ADS, which can be used to hide data or store metadata without affecting the file's primary content.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CHFI practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CHFI exam.
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