Where’s the job?

Overview

• Recovering lost data for businesses involves specialised techniques to retrieve information from corrupted, damaged or accidentally deleted storage devices.

• Skill level: 4 / 5 (advanced understanding of file systems, hardware diagnostics and recovery software is required).

• Typical duration: Depending on the severity, recovery can take from a few hours to several days.

Safety First

• Immediately cease using the affected device to avoid overwriting recoverable data.

• Always create a clone or disk image before attempting any recovery procedures.

• Use write blockers and ensure that no further changes are made to the original device.

• Avoid DIY recovery on physically damaged media to prevent further data loss.

• Back up recovered data immediately to a secure and separate location.

Tools & Materials

Step-by-Step

1. Identify the cause of data loss – accidental deletion, software corruption, malware or hardware failure.

2. Immediately disconnect the affected device to prevent further data overwriting.

3. Create a disk image or clone the drive using professional imaging tools.

4. Use recovery software to scan the image and retrieve lost files.

5. Verify the integrity of recovered data and organise it for restoration.

6. Transfer recovered data to a secure location with proper backup measures.

7. Implement regular backup protocols to prevent future data loss.

Completion Checks

• Confirm that all critical files have been successfully recovered and are accessible.

• Validate the integrity of restored data through checksum or file comparison.

• Ensure that recovered data is securely stored and backed up.

• Document the recovery process for future reference and compliance.

When to Call a Pro Instead

If data recovery is critical or the storage device has sustained severe physical damage, it is advisable to consult a professional data recovery service. Experts can safely handle delicate hardware, ensure data integrity and comply with legal requirements regarding sensitive information.