Forensic File Services Using Structured Filesystem Event Stores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional filesystem backup repositories are impractical for forensic analysis due to large compressed data records and incomplete views of operations, making it difficult to efficiently search and analyze filesystem element access patterns across distributed computing resources.
Innovation Solution
A system for forensic file services that captures and processes filesystem events, generating structured repositories for querying and identifying access patterns, including interfaces and analytical tools to analyze filesystem element access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional filesystem backup repositories are used for forensic analysis, then data retention is improved, but search efficiency and analysis capability deteriorate due to large compressed data records and incomplete views of operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic backup repository into multiple structured event stores, each containing specific filesystem events (create, delete, modify, access) organized by time and type. This segmentation enables efficient querying of specific event types without processing entire backup images, directly resolving the contradiction between retaining comprehensive data and enabling efficient search.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (filesystem event monitoring and logging system) between the filesystem operations and the backup repository. This intermediary captures and structures filesystem events in real-time, creating a processed view that enables efficient forensic analysis without requiring direct searching of raw compressed backup data.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional filesystem backup repositories are used, then data completeness is improved, but measurement precision and access pattern detection capability deteriorate due to incomplete views of operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and structuring filesystem events as they occur, before backup compression and aggregation. This real-time event capture preserves complete operation details (timestamps, user IDs, file paths, operation types) in a structured format, enabling precise access pattern detection while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of data representation from compressed backup images to structured event records with explicit fields for operation type, timestamp, user identifier, and file path. This parameter transformation enables precise measurement and detection of access patterns while maintaining complete operational data.
3Reliability
If comprehensive filesystem event capture is implemented, then forensic analysis capability is improved, but system complexity and resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal filesystem event monitoring system that captures all filesystem operations (create, delete, modify, access) through a single integrated mechanism. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive forensic analysis capability across all file operations without requiring separate monitoring systems for each operation type, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of filesystem events in structured formats suitable for different analysis purposes. Instead of implementing complex analysis directly on raw filesystem data, the system captures event copies with standardized fields, enabling reliable forensic analysis through simpler, dedicated analysis tools operating on these structured copies.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for forensic file services is configured to receive data indicative of operations executed on a filesystem element stored on a computing resource associated with a first tenant, to and adjust the data according to an indicated database schema. The system is also configured to store the adjusted data in a record of a partition of a database, where the partition configured to store a history of operations executed on filesystem elements of computing resources associated with the first tenant. The system is further configured to receive a search request to search the database and to execute the search request on a second partition of the database to identify one or more matching records. The system is additionally configured to provide the identified records in response to the search request.