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Creating a WORM append file

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

  1. 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
  2. Make the file read-only by entering the following command:
    chmod 444 file
  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.