How to Troubleshoot and Recover a Faulty RAID Array from NAS Digiever DS-2012

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Digiever DS-2012 devices?

Yes, there are several recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Digiever DS-2012 devices:

1. Change default credentials: The first and foremost step is to change the default username and password provided by the manufacturer. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable.
2. Use complex passwords: Ensure that the passwords used for accessing the device are strong and complex. They should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common passwords or easily guessable information such as birthdates or names.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): If the device supports two-factor authentication, enable it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to a mobile device, in addition to the username and password.
4. Regularly update firmware: Keep the device's firmware up to date with the latest security patches and updates provided by the manufacturer. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.
5. Restrict access: Only provide access to authorized users who need it. Avoid sharing credentials with unnecessary individuals and regularly review and revoke access for users who no longer require it.
6. Use secure protocols: Whenever possible, use secure protocols such as HTTPS for remote access to the device's management interface. This encrypts the communication between the device and the user, making it harder for attackers to intercept sensitive information.
7. Implement network segmentation: Consider segregating the NAS device from the rest of the network using VLANs or other network segmentation techniques. This helps limit the potential impact of a security breach by restricting access to other network resources.
8. Regularly backup data: Create regular backups of the data stored on the NAS device and store them in a secure location. This ensures that even if the device is compromised, the data can be restored from a clean backup.
9. Monitor for suspicious activity: Implement logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review logs for any signs of potential security breaches.
10. Educate users: Provide training and awareness programs to users on best practices for password security, phishing attacks, and other common security threats. This helps ensure that users are aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect their credentials.

It is important to note that these best practices are general recommendations and may not cover all specific security considerations for the Digiever DS-2012 device. It is advisable to consult the device's documentation and manufacturer's recommendations for any additional security measures specific to the device.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DS-2012 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Digiever DS-2012. 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.

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How to recover data from a Digiever

DS-2012 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:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. 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.

   

4. 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-2012 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