- 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 Digiever 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 Digiever DS-16364-RM Pro+ devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?
Yes, there are several guidelines that can help you configure security settings on NAS Digiever DS-16364-RM Pro+ devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some key recommendations:
- Change Default Passwords: The first step is to change the default passwords for both the administrator and user accounts. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable.
- Enable Firewall: Enable the built-in firewall on the NAS device to restrict incoming and outgoing network traffic. Configure the firewall rules to allow only necessary services and block all other unnecessary ports.
- Disable Unused Services: Disable any unused services or protocols on the NAS device to minimize potential attack vectors. Only enable the necessary services required for your specific use case.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for all user accounts to add an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if someone obtains the password, they would still need a second factor (e.g., a mobile app or SMS code) to access the NAS.
- Regularly Update Firmware: Keep the NAS firmware up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Implement Access Control: Configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict access to specific folders or files. Only grant permissions to authorized users or groups, and regularly review and update these access controls.
- Regularly Backup Data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that data is securely backed up and can be restored in case of any data loss or ransomware attack. Store backups on a separate device or off-site location.
- Monitor and Audit: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS device to track any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review logs and audit trails to identify potential security incidents.
- Physical Security: Ensure that the NAS device is physically secured in a locked room or cabinet to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
- Educate Users: Train and educate all users on best security practices, such as avoiding suspicious links or attachments, using strong passwords, and being cautious with sharing sensitive information.
It is important to note that these guidelines are general recommendations, and you should consult the official documentation and support resources provided by Digiever for specific instructions and best practices for your NAS model.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DS-16364-RM Pro+ 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 Digiever DS-16364-RM Pro+. 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.
How to recover data from a Digiever
DS-16364-RM Pro+ has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- 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 Digiever DS-16364-RM Pro+ 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 NAS Digiever DS-16364-RM Pro+ device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage drive or media errors. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the issues and the severity of the errors.
If there are minor issues or media errors, data recovery software or tools can be used to recover the data from the NAS device. These tools can often fix minor errors and retrieve the data without much difficulty.
However, if there are major issues with the storage drive or severe media errors, it may require professional data recovery services. These services have specialized tools and expertise to deal with complex data recovery scenarios. They can disassemble the device, repair or replace faulty components, and extract the data from the damaged drive.
It is important to note that data recovery can be a complex and time-consuming process, and there is no guarantee of 100% success. It is always recommended to have regular backups of important data to avoid data loss in such situations.