- 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 Idis 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 practices for protecting NAS Idis DR-1204P devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss?
Yes, there are several recommended practices for protecting NAS Idis DR-1204P devices against physical theft or unauthorized access. Here are some of them:
- Secure Physical Location: Place the NAS device in a secure location that is difficult for unauthorized individuals to access. This could include a locked server room or a locked cabinet.
- Restricted Access: Limit physical access to the NAS device by providing access only to authorized personnel. Use keycards, biometric authentication, or other access control mechanisms to ensure only authorized individuals can reach the device.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Install surveillance cameras or use other monitoring systems to keep an eye on the area where the NAS device is located. This can help deter theft and provide evidence in case of any unauthorized access.
- Alarms and Sensors: Implement security alarms and sensors that can detect any unauthorized tampering or movement of the NAS device. These alarms can alert security personnel or trigger automated responses to prevent data loss.
- Encryption: Enable encryption on the NAS device to protect the data stored on it. This ensures that even if the device is stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
- Regular Backup and Offsite Storage: Implement a regular backup strategy for the data stored on the NAS device. Make sure that backups are stored offsite, preferably in a secure location, to protect against physical theft or damage to the primary device.
- Firmware and Software Updates: Keep the NAS device's firmware and software up to date with the latest security patches. Regularly check for updates provided by the manufacturer and apply them promptly to mitigate any known vulnerabilities.
- Strong Passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for accessing the NAS device's administrative interface. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
- User Access Control: Implement user access controls and permissions to restrict access to specific folders or files on the NAS. This ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data.
- Regular Auditing: Conduct regular audits of the NAS device's access logs and user activities to identify any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. This helps in detecting and preventing potential data breaches.
Remember, implementing a combination of physical security measures, access controls, encryption, and regular monitoring can significantly enhance the protection of NAS devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DR-1204P 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 Idis DR-1204P. 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.
DR-1204P has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- None;
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 Idis DR-1204P 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 NAS device that has undergone a factory reset or system restore can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are a few things you can try:
It's important to note that the success of data recovery depends on various factors, including the specific NAS device, the extent of the reset or restore, and the condition of the data storage drives within the device.