Alternate Data Streams: A Complete Overview

Alternate Data Streams (ADS) in the NTFS file system allow data to be hidden within regular files—making them a powerful yet often exploited feature in Windows environments. In this guide, uncover how ADS in Windows works, why it poses a serious cybersecurity risk for IT teams, and how attackers use data hiding in Windows files to compromise systems. Learn how to detect ADS using tools like Sysinternals Streams, PowerShell commands, and advanced forensic tools for NTFS.

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Chapters:

00:01 Introduction
00:25 What is Alternate Data Streams (ADS)
00:49 A Hidden Playground for Hackers
01:17 How ADS Works in NTFS
01:47 Security Implications
02:09 Detection and Management
02:26 Why IT Teams Should Care