ADS Last modified: Wednesday, September 08, 2004
(pronounced as separate letters) Short for alternate data stream, a function of Microsoft’s NTFS file system in which files can be embedded in other files and are invisible to the user through Windows Explorer (i.e., the ADS does not affect the size, function or display of the main file the ADS is attached to). While ADS files (which are well known throughout the hacker community) can be used maliciously by an attacker wishing to plant an executable file into another file without it being detected, ADS also is used legitimately by programmers. For example, an antivirus program can include a checksum value in an ADS attached to each file. Microsoft originally included the ADS function in NTFS in order to ensure file server compatibility with the Macintosh hierarchical file system in which files are forked.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• For internet.com pages about ADS . Also check out the following links! Hidden Threat: Alternate Data Streams A relatively unknown compatibility feature of NTFS, ADS provides hackers with a method of hiding root kits or hacker tools on a breached system and allows them to be executed without being detected by the systems administrator.	File Management Windows file management system Microsoft Windows NTFS Give Us Your Feedback Shopping ADS Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Networking Hubs and Switches 615 Model Matches Building Supplies 4164 Store Offers Laptop Accessories 2050 Store Offers Watches 267 Store Offers Clothing 4377 Store Offers