The WORM append file works with chunks of 256 KB. As each chunk is filled, it is locked. The file must be made read-only for it to be locked in its entirety.
Steps
- To create a WORM file that can be appended, create a zero length file with the desired retention date inside a WORM volume by entering the following command:
touch -a -t 202012150600 file
- Make the file read-only by entering the following command:
chmod 444 file
- Make the file writable again by entering the following command:
chmod 644 file Note: This step is not deemed a compliance risk because there is no data in the file.
- Start writing data to the file by entering the following command:
echo test data >> file Note: Data is committed to WORM state in 256-KB chunks. Data does not have to be written sequentially to the active 256-KB chunk. When the data is written to byte n×256KB+1 of the file, the previous 256-KB segment becomes WORM and cannot be rewritten.
As each chunk is filled, it is locked. At this stage, you have a WORM appendable file.
- When you have finished entering data into the file, make the file read-only again by entering the following command:
chmod 444 file The entire file is now in the WORM state and therefore is immutable.