Encrypted Data Recovery

Encrypting data is standard practice for many organisations and government departments. While encryption can increase the complexity of the data recovery process, our engineers are experienced in this area, and have developed tools especially to recover encrypted data.

Solutions for Recovering Encrypted Data

Handling and recovering encrypted data requires specialised tools, knowledge and experience. Our engineers can:

• Recover encrypted data
• Return recovered data in an encrypted form
• Perform on-site data recovery services when required
• Offer highly secure Remote Data Recovery services for the fastest data recovery service possible

The Recovery Process – 3 Options

Depending on their security policies, there are a number of options for our clients requiring recovery of encrypted data. Strict security protocols for receiving, handling, recovering and returning encrypted data are also in place.

Where media is fully functional, the fastest and most secure method of recovering encrypted data is through our patented Remote Data Recovery process. In cases where media has sustained physical damage or is not functioning properly (for example drives that are grinding, clicking, not spinning), we offer several options for clean room data recovery services:

Decryption Key Provided

Where a file list report and any repairs to the files or file structure are needed, a user key or decryption password is required. Many professional encryption software packages can provide a one-time use password or a ‘technician’ password that changes regularly. This means the client does not have to release their master password. Our engineers work directly with the client’s IT resources to determine the best manner for transfer of this information. In this case, once the password information has been provided, our engineers follow the standard data recovery process. If required, we will return the data in an encrypted state.

Decryption Key Not Provided

This option is for those clients with failed media devices whose security policies prevent them from releasing any user key or decryption password information. Engineers access the encrypted data, make a sector-by-sector copy and transfer it to a new, working hard drive. As Ontrack does not ever access the data in this method, the specific results will be unknown until the files are opened by someone with access to the encryption key. No file list report can be provided and no attempt can be made to rebuild the file structure.

Decryption Key Not Provided – Decrypted data returned for further repair

A combination of options 1 and 2 above. The client attempts to decrypt the recovered data once it is returned from Kroll Ontrack. The decrypted device is then sent back to Kroll Ontrack where our engineers resume the recovery process and perform any required repairs to the files and file system. 

If you are unsure which option is best for you, call us on 1800 872 259 to discuss your encrypted data recovery needs.