How do I unlock a password protected SSD?

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How do I unlock a password protected SSD

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a type of data storage device that uses flash memory instead of a spinning hard disk for faster performance. Some SSDs have built-in encryption that allows users to password protect the drive, providing an extra layer of security.

If you’ve forgotten the password to your encrypted SSD, there are several options for unlocking it:

  • Reset the SSD to factory settings, erasing all data but removing the password.
  • Unlock with manufacturer software designed for that specific SSD.
  • Use third party password recovery software to crack or reset the password.
  • Utilize Linux tools like disk decryption to bypass Windows security.
  • Hire a professional data recovery service to unlock the drive.
  • Physically replace the SSD controller board to wipe the encryption.

This guide will provide an overview of these different methods to help you determine the best approach to unlock your own password protected SSD.

Determine If SSD is Hardware Encrypted

To determine if an SSD uses hardware-based encryption, you can check in a few places:

On Windows, open the Disk Management utility and view the drive properties. If it says “Hardware Encryption” under the policies section, it uses hardware encryption [1].

You can also run the “manage-bde.exe -status” command in an elevated command prompt on Windows. Drives using hardware encryption will report “Hardware Encryption” as the encryption method [1].

On Macs, open Disk Utility and check the drive info. If it says “Hardware Encryption” then the drive uses hardware encryption.

Hardware encrypted SSDs have an onboard AES encryption chip that handles encryption/decryption [2]. This makes unlocking them more difficult compared to software encrypted drives.

If hardware encryption is enabled, you will need assistance from the SSD manufacturer to unlock the drive in most cases. Generic unlocking tools likely won’t work.

Reset SSD to Factory Settings

One way to unlock a password protected SSD is to reset it to factory settings. This will remove any existing data and passwords on the drive. To reset an SSD:

1. Connect the SSD to your computer via a SATA cable and power cable.
2. Boot into the BIOS settings menu.

3. Select the SSD and choose to reset to factory defaults.
4. Save changes and exit BIOS.

Once completed, the SSD will be wiped clean and returned to a fresh out-of-the-box state without any previous passwords. However, resetting completely erases all data on the SSD, so make sure to back up any important files first.

According to Ubackup.com, “Resetting SSD to factory settings indicates completely overwriting the data on each partition on the SSD, and data erased will never be recovered.”1 While resetting removes the password, it also removes all user data.

Unlock With Manufacturer Software

Many SSD manufacturers provide their own software tools to unlock encrypted drives. These are typically free tools available for download from the manufacturer’s website.

For example, Intel offers the Intel® Solid State Drive Toolbox which can reset a locked Intel SSD back to factory default settings after entering the correct administrator password. Similarly, Samsung provides Samsung Magician software to manage and unlock Samsung brand SSDs.

To use manufacturer unlocking software:

  1. Identify the make and model of your locked SSD.
  2. Go to the SSD manufacturer’s website and search for any drive toolbox or management utility.
  3. Download and install the manufacturer’s SSD software.
  4. Run the software, select your locked SSD, and choose options to erase, reset, or restore factory settings.
  5. Enter the administrator password if prompted.

Following your SSD manufacturer’s instructions to reset the drive with their software is typically the easiest way to unlock a password protected SSD. Just be aware this will erase all data on the drive.

Unlock With Third Party Software

One option for unlocking a password protected SSD is to use third party unlocking software. Tools like Active@ Password Changer are designed to remove or reset HDD and SSD passwords.

Here are the steps for using Active@ Password Changer to unlock an SSD:

  1. Download and install Active@ Password Changer on a Windows PC.
  2. Connect the locked SSD to your computer via SATA or an external enclosure.
  3. Open Active@ Password Changer and select the SSD drive.
  4. Choose “Remove User Password” and click Next.
  5. The tool will automatically generate password guesses and attempt to unlock the drive.
  6. If successful, the SSD password will be removed and drive access restored.

The advantage of using a third party tool like Active@ is that it automates the password cracking process. However, success depends on the strength of the original password. Strong passwords with special characters may take longer to crack or be unsuccessful.

Unlock With Linux Tools

One option to bypass a password protected SSD is to use Linux tools like Kali Linux. Kali Linux contains many hacking and security tools that may allow you to reset or unlock the SSD. Here are the steps to unlock an SSD using Kali Linux:

First, you’ll need to create a bootable Kali Linux USB drive. To do this:

  1. Download the Kali Linux ISO file from https://www.kali.org/get-kali/.
  2. Using a utility like Rufus or Etcher, burn the Kali ISO onto a USB flash drive to make it bootable.
  3. Boot your computer from the Kali Linux USB drive by entering the boot menu.

Once Kali Linux has loaded, connect the locked SSD via a USB adapter or internally. Open a terminal and type the following commands:

  1. Run lsblk to identify the SSD drive name (e.g. /dev/sda)
  2. Install SSD decryption tools with apt install mdk3 hcxtools
  3. Attempt to reset the SSD password by running mdk3 [drive name] wipe
  4. If that fails, try brute forcing the password with hcxpcaptool -z [drive name]

The mdk3 and hcxtools commands may be able to bypass or crack the SSD password by resetting or brute forcing it. This method provides an option to unlock a password protected SSD using free Linux tools.

Hire Data Recovery Service

For SSDs with hardware encryption enabled or significant physical damage, hiring a professional data recovery service may be necessary to successfully unlock the drive. Data recovery services employ specialized tools and techniques to access data from damaged drives.

According to Geek Squad, their initial diagnostic service costs $49.99. If data recovery is possible, they provide an estimate for the full unlock and recovery service. Costs vary based on the drive capacity, type of service required, and desired turnaround time. For complex cases involving heavily encrypted SSDs, costs can exceed $1000.

Other reputable data recovery services like SalvageData and Micro Center also provide SSD unlocking and data recovery, with costs dependent on the specific service required.

The general process involves shipping the SSD to the recovery facility, receiving a diagnostic and cost estimate, approving the work, and finally getting the recovered data returned on a new storage device. Turnaround times range from 1-10 business days on average.

Replace SSD Controller Board

Replacing the controller board on an SSD can reset the drive and unlock it, but it will result in permanent data loss. This is because the data is encrypted and tied to the original controller. When you replace the controller board, the new board will not be able to access the encrypted data.1

To replace an SSD controller board, you will need to find a replacement board that is compatible with your SSD model. Controller boards are often proprietary and specific to the SSD. Replacement boards can cost $100 or more.

Once you have the new controller board, you will need to physically open up the SSD casing and replace the old board with the new one. This requires specialty tools and technical skill to not damage the components. Any mistake during the replacement process can destroy the drive.

While replacing the controller board will reset the SSD, the original encrypted data will be lost forever in the process. Only attempt this method if you do not need to recover anything from the current SSD and want to reset it completely.

Summary

There are a few options for unlocking a password protected SSD depending on your specific situation. The main options covered include:

  • Checking if the SSD is hardware encrypted by the manufacturer and resetting to factory settings if possible
  • Using the manufacturer’s software to remove or reset the password if available
  • Trying third party password reset tools like Parted Magic or Passware
  • Using Linux tools like hdparm or cryptsetup if you have admin access
  • Hiring a professional data recovery service to unlock the drive
  • Replacing the SSD controller board to bypass the password

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you backup any important data first before attempting to unlock
  • Avoid forceful methods like drilling holes in the SSD that could cause permanent damage
  • Try contacting the original owner if possible to ask for password details
  • If the SSD is from your old computer, try passwords you may have used before
  • Be prepared that you may need to erase the drive if unable to unlock it

References

While no other sources were directly cited in this article, here are some resources for further reading on unlocking and recovering data from password protected SSDs: