Initial Cause of Data Loss

A client contacted us seeking assistance with recovering data from her QNAP TS-453A Network Attached Storage (NAS), which contained three Western Digital 3.5” 4TB hard disk drives (HDDs). Earlier in the week, she noticed she could no longer access the NAS. Upon attempting to log in, she found that all her files appeared infected with ransomware, prompting her to seek immediate professional help.

Diagnosis and Recovery Process

Our recovery team carefully examined the three hard drives to assess the situation. Our analysis found that two of the drives had hardware issues, including read/write head problems. Due to the delicate nature of these issues, the drives required recovery in a cleanroom environment to avoid further damage.

The drives were configured in RAID 5, a typical setup providing data redundancy and improved performance. After further investigation, we confirmed no ransomware infection was present on the drives. This allowed us to focus on the hardware issues to recover the data safely.

Data Recovery Outcome

Our engineers successfully extracted the data from malfunctioning HDDs and restored the RAID 5 array. The client was able to verify the recovered data during an online data verification session and expressed satisfaction and relief with the results. At her request, we also assisted in setting up a new NAS. We transferred the recovered data to it, ensuring that she could easily access her files in a secure environment moving forward.

Recommendations

When faced with potential data loss, especially in a RAID configuration, it is essential to avoid DIY solutions that can be found online, as improper handling can exacerbate the problem. Specifically:

• Avoid using the device: Continued use could overwrite lost data, reducing the chances of a successful recovery.
• Stop all recovery attempts: If you suspect mechanical failure or data corruption, avoid further attempts to access the drive, which could cause irreversible damage.
• Consult professionals: Expert data recovery services have the tools, expertise, and environments (such as cleanrooms) to handle complex hardware and software issues effectively.

If you experience any data loss or drive failure, feel free to contact us. Our team can diagnose and recover data from even the most challenging cases.

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