- 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 Synology 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 Synology DiskStation DS1821+ devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?
Yes, there are several guidelines and best practices for configuring security settings on Synology DiskStation DS1821+ devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some key recommendations:
- Enable and configure a strong administrator password: Use a complex and unique password for the administrator account. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Synology DiskStation supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code generated by an authentication app or sent via SMS.
- Keep the firmware and applications up to date: Regularly check for firmware updates and security patches released by Synology. Apply these updates promptly to ensure the latest security features and fixes are implemented.
- Enable firewall and network security features: Synology DiskStation has built-in firewall and network security features. Enable them to restrict access to only necessary services and ports. Configure firewall rules to allow access only from trusted IP addresses or networks.
- Disable unnecessary services: Disable any services or protocols that are not required for your specific use case. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities.
- Enable network encryption: Use Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) encryption for accessing the DiskStation remotely. This ensures that data transmitted over the network is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping.
- Implement user access control: Create separate user accounts with appropriate access permissions for different users or user groups. Limit access to only the necessary folders and files.
- Regularly backup data: Set up a backup strategy to ensure regular backups of your important data. Consider using Synology's built-in backup solutions or external backup systems to keep multiple copies of your data.
- Monitor and review system logs: Regularly review the system logs for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Enable email notifications for critical events to stay informed about potential security issues.
- Educate users on security best practices: Train users on how to create strong passwords, recognize phishing attempts, and avoid suspicious links or downloads. User awareness is crucial in preventing social engineering attacks.
It is important to note that these guidelines provide a general overview of security practices. For a comprehensive understanding of securing your specific environment, it is recommended to refer to the official Synology documentation and consult with a security professional.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DiskStation DS1821+ 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 Synology DiskStation DS1821+. 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 Synology
DiskStation DS1821+ has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
- RAID 6;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 10;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 0;
- Basic;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- Btrfs;
- EXT4;
- EXT3 (External Disk Only);
- FAT32 (External Disk Only);
- exFAT (External Disk Only);
- NTFS (External Disk Only);
- HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);
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 Synology DiskStation DS1821+ network-attached storage keeps DSM (DiskStation Manager) 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 |
