How can an attacker clear or tamper with the USN Journal to hide their tracks?

Attackers can try using the `fsutil usn deletejournal` command or the `DELETE_USN_JOURNAL_DATA` API, but these may not succeed due to system protections. Alternatively, they can directly modify the $Extend\$UsnJrnl metafile using tools like WinHex after bypassing driver signing restrictions, or they can brute-force overwrite records by performing many file operations until the journal wraps around. For related evasion techniques, see Penetration Techniques - Backdoor Exploitation of Junction Folders and Library Files.