- 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 guidelines for configuring security settings on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802 devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?
Yes, there are several guidelines you can follow to configure security settings on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802 devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some recommendations:
- Change default passwords: Immediately change the default administrative password to a strong and unique one. Also, consider changing the default username if possible.
- Enable firewall: Activate the built-in firewall on the TeraStation to restrict access to only necessary services and ports. Configure the firewall rules according to your requirements.
- Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or protocols that are not required for your specific use case. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes potential vulnerabilities.
- Regularly update firmware: Keep the TeraStation's firmware up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Check Buffalo's support website regularly for firmware updates and apply them as soon as they become available.
- Implement access controls: Utilize the NAS's built-in access control features to restrict access to specific users or groups. Set appropriate permissions for each user/group to ensure they only have access to the necessary files and folders.
- Enable encryption: Enable encryption on the TeraStation to protect data at rest. This ensures that even if the physical device is stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
- Implement strong network security: Secure the network on which the TeraStation is connected. Use strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2 or higher) and consider segmenting the network to isolate the NAS from other devices.
- Regularly backup data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that critical data is backed up and can be restored in case of data loss or ransomware attacks. Store backups on a separate device or in the cloud.
- Monitor and log activities: Enable logging and monitoring features on the TeraStation to keep track of any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review the logs to detect any potential security incidents.
- Educate users: Provide training and awareness to users on best practices for accessing and using the TeraStation securely. Teach them about password hygiene, phishing attacks, and other common security threats.
Remember, security is an ongoing process, and it is recommended to regularly review and update the security settings on your TeraStation to adapt to evolving threats and best practices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS3420RN0802 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 TS3420RN0802. 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 TS3420RN0802 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 TS3420RN0802 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802 device can potentially be done remotely, depending on the specific circumstances and the capabilities of the device.
If the NAS device is still accessible over the network and the data loss is due to logical issues (such as accidental deletion or file system corruption), it may be possible to remotely connect to the device and perform data recovery operations.
However, if the data loss is due to physical issues with the NAS device's hardware (such as a failed hard drive or RAID controller), remote data recovery may not be feasible. In such cases, it is usually necessary to physically access the device and perform the recovery process on-site or send the device to a professional data recovery service.
It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service provider to assess the specific situation and determine the best course of action for recovering the data from the Buffalo TeraStation NAS device.