Creating a WORM append file

The WORM append file procedure is used to create the SnapLock for SnapVault Compliance Log. 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. touch -a -t 202012150600 file
2. Update the file access time to indicate the file’s desired expiration.
3. Make the file read-only. chmod 444 file
   Note: This step is not deemed a compliance risk because there is no data in the file.

4. Make the file writable again. chmod 755 file
   Note: Data will be 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*256 KB+1 of the file, the previous 256-KB segment becomes WORM and cannot be rewritten.

5. Start writing data to the file.echo test data >> file

   As each chunk is filled, it is locked. At this stage, you have a WORM appendable file.

6. When you have completed entering data into the file, make the file read-only again.chmod 444file

   The entire file is now in the WORM state and therefore is immutable.