- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.
Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.
Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Buffalo also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
Are there any recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3210DN0802 devices?
Yes, there are several recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3210DN0802 devices:
- Change default credentials: Immediately change the default username and password provided by the manufacturer. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable.
- Use complex passwords: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your passwords. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to the username and password.
- Regularly update firmware: Keep the firmware of your NAS device up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that include security patches and bug fixes.
- Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or features that are not being used. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
- Limit access privileges: Grant access privileges only to the users or groups that require them. Restrict access to sensitive data and ensure that users have the least amount of privileges necessary to perform their tasks.
- Implement strong network security measures: Secure your network infrastructure by using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs). This helps protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Regularly backup your data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is protected in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, or ransomware attacks. Store backups securely, preferably off-site or in the cloud.
- Educate users on security best practices: Train your users on security best practices, such as creating strong passwords, avoiding phishing emails, and not sharing their credentials with anyone. Regularly remind them to follow these practices.
- Regularly monitor and audit access logs: Monitor access logs for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review and audit these logs to identify any potential security issues.
By following these best practices, you can enhance the security of your usernames and passwords stored on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3210DN0802 devices and reduce the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS3210DN0802 can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:
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Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.
WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.
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Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS3210DN0802. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.
TeraStation TS3210DN0802 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
- NTFS / ReFS;
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
- VMFS / HikvisionFS;
Safe recovery from disk images
This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Loss resulting from bad sectors;
- User mistakes.
To create an image, do the following:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.
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At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.
Where are user’s files stored?
The Buffalo TeraStation TS3210DN0802 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Recovering data from a physically damaged device can be challenging and may require professional assistance. If the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3210DN0802 has been physically damaged due to a fall or impact, there is a possibility that the internal components, such as the hard drives, may have been damaged as well.
In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from physically damaged devices. They can assess the extent of the damage and determine if data recovery is possible.
It is important to note that data recovery from physically damaged devices can be expensive and there is no guarantee of successful recovery. Therefore, it is always advisable to have regular backups of important data to avoid such situations.