Data recovery services help users retrieve lost or corrupted data from storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, and RAID arrays. While these services provide a valuable tool to recover important files, many people have concerns about the safety and security of allowing a third party access to their data.
Some common worries people have about data recovery include whether the company is legitimate, if the data is handled securely, who has access to the data, whether personal information is protected, and if the data could be exploited or mishandled in any way.
This article will examine the main safety considerations when using a professional data recovery service, providing an overview of security protocols, data handling procedures, pricing models, success rates, and data protection laws. We’ll also look at signs of trusted providers and alternatives to help readers determine if it’s safe and worth the risk to attempt data recovery through a third party.
How to Verify Legitimacy and Trustworthiness
When evaluating a data recovery service, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure it is legitimate and trustworthy:
Look at online reviews and testimonials. Reputable companies should have multiple positive reviews on sites like Yelp and Google. Beware of reviews that seem fake or paid for. (Source)
Check credentials like certifications and association memberships. Many trustworthy providers belong to trade groups like the Association of Data Recovery Specialists. (Source)
Look for transparency about capabilities, security protocols, and pricing upfront on their website. Avoid companies that seem vague. (Source)
Verify they have a real, local facility you can visit and securely deliver devices to. Avoid offshore companies. (Source)
Ask about encryption methods, data handling procedures, and physical security of facilities. Legitimate companies will explain these in detail. (Source)
Avoid unrealistic guarantees of success. Reputable providers give estimates, not promises. (Source)
Get references from past clients if possible. Speaking to someone who used their services can provide reassurance. (Source)
Trust your instincts. If a company seems sketchy or evasive, move on. There are plenty of reliable data recovery services to choose from. (Source)
Security Protocols
Reputable data recovery services adhere to strict security protocols to protect customer data and privacy. According to Secure Data Recovery Services, data is encrypted during the recovery process to prevent unauthorized access. Secure data recovery specialists only access the minimum amount of data required to diagnose issues and recover lost files.
Leading providers have secure facilities and limit physical access to hardware containing customer data. According to Secure Data Recovery, all cases are treated confidentially and no data is shared with third parties without explicit consent. Some companies like Gillware even publish details of their security protocols to demonstrate their commitment to privacy.
Reputable providers also permanently destroy any hardware after data recovery is complete. Following these security best practices ensures the data recovery process is safe and protects sensitive customer information.
Data Handling
Data recovery services take extensive measures to safely handle and protect data throughout the recovery process. When a device first arrives at the facility, technicians will often create a full forensic image or clone of the drive before attempting any recovery work. This protects the original data from any potential errors or mishaps during the recovery process (Source). The cloned drive is then mounted to a workstation in a closed, secure room to trace and rebuild the file structure. Any recovered data is transferred to a separate healthy drive or storage medium.
Many providers follow strict data privacy protocols and never access user content without explicit consent. Drives are assigned an anonymous ID number that separates personal information from the recovered data. Once the recovery is complete, some firms securely wipe and destroy the cloned drive to prevent leakage (Source). Throughout this process, drives are handled with care and proprietary tools are used to maximize the chance of a successful recovery. Reputable services invest heavily in data security to protect client information and provide peace of mind.
Pricing & Contracts
When evaluating data recovery services, it’s important to scrutinize their pricing structures and contracts carefully. Disreputable providers may use unclear pricing or exploitative contracts to take advantage of desperate customers.
Legitimate data recovery services will provide transparent breakdowns of their fees upfront. According to Provendata.com, average costs range from $100 for basic recovery of deleted files from storage media to over $2000 for repairs of physically damaged drives and advanced forensic data extraction (Provendata.com). However, disreputable providers may advertise deceptively low prices initially then add numerous hidden fees throughout the process.
It’s also crucial to read the fine print in any contracts before agreeing to services. Unethical providers may include clauses that allow them to hold recovered data hostage unless unreasonable demands are met. Customers should ensure contracts don’t contain any language restricting access to data unless all clearly explained fees are paid.
The best practice is to obtain a detailed written quote upfront and avoid any service unwilling to provide one. Reputable companies will be transparent about their full pricing structure before beginning data recovery.
Success Rates
Despite the widespread use of data recovery services, actual success rates can be hard to pin down. However, most legitimate providers report recovery rates between 70-96%.
According to a survey by the Data Recovery Professionals group, the overall recovery rate for all devices is around 70% (source). Another report states success rates for hard drive recovery specifically can reach up to 96% (source). However, Advanced Data Recovery Consultants notes that rates can vary widely depending on the situation, from over 95% in some cases to as low as 20% in others (source).
The main takeaway is that reputable data recovery services report high success rates in the 70-96% range. However, many factors influence individual recovery rates, so blanket claims should be taken as general estimates.
Data Protection Laws
Data recovery services must comply with relevant data protection and privacy laws. Some key regulations include:
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union requires companies to protect personal data and allows individuals to request data deletion or corrections. GDPR applies to any company handling data of EU citizens, with significant fines for non-compliance (
Backup and Recovery Standards).
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States requires transparency in data collection and allows consumers to opt out of data sales. CCPA affects any company doing business in California that collects consumer data (
How to Set Data Recovery Standards and Policies).
Other data protection laws worldwide like PIPEDA in Canada or POPIA in South Africa have similar consent, transparency and data security requirements that apply to data recovery services.
Reputable data recovery companies will be fully compliant with all relevant regulations and have strict protocols for protecting client data privacy.
Alternatives
One alternative to using a professional data recovery service is to attempt DIY data recovery. There are some pros and cons to consider when deciding between DIY and professional data recovery:
Pros of DIY data recovery:
- Cost-effective – DIY methods like using data recovery software are generally more affordable than hiring professional services (JamesTown Technologies).
- Convenient – There are many DIY software tools readily available to download and try at home (Flashback Data).
Cons of DIY data recovery:
- Lower success rates – Professional services have access to advanced tools and clean room facilities, leading to much higher recovery success rates.
- Risk of further data loss – DIY methods can sometimes damage drives and make data recovery impossible if not done correctly.
- Time investment – DIY takes a significant time commitment as you learn how to properly recover data.
Overall, while DIY data recovery is more affordable, professional services offer a much higher chance of recovering your lost data thanks to advanced tools and expertise. For irreplaceable or mission-critical data, it’s often worth paying for professional recovery services to ensure the best results (Flashback Data).
Examples of Trusted Providers
There are many highly rated and recommended data recovery services to consider if you need to restore lost files. According to reviews on Forbes, some of the top services include:
CBL Data Recovery – This company is known for emergency data recovery and offers competitive pricing starting at $500. They have over 15 years of experience and can handle a wide range of devices and storage media. CBL claims an over 95% success rate.
Ontrack – Regarded as one of the best for recovering data after natural disasters like fires or floods. Their experts can salvage data from water or fire damaged hard drives. Pricing is on the higher end but they have decades of experience.
SalvageData – This provider touts excellent success rates of up to 98% for recovering data. They are best suited for RAID servers, USB drives, SSDs and other storage media. Their pricing is very competitive.
DriveSavers – Known for very fast recovery turnaround times, sometimes in just 24 hours. DriveSavers uses proprietary technology and cleanroom facilities for extracting data from damaged devices. They are a bit pricier but guarantee no data, no charge.
Conclusion
Data recovery services can be a safe and effective way to retrieve lost data, but it’s important to do your research to find a reputable provider. When evaluating a service, look for transparency around security protocols, data handling, and pricing. Avoid services that seem vague or make unrealistic promises. Legitimate providers will be upfront about the possibility that not all data can be recovered. Read through contracts carefully, looking out for any concerning clauses about data ownership or liability. Opt for services that offer no-data, no-pay policies to avoid getting charged for unsuccessful recovery attempts. If you follow safe data handling practices on your end, like Encrypting sensitive data and having backups, you can feel confident trusting a well-reviewed recovery service as a last resort if needed. With the right precautions, data recovery can often successfully restore lost files and valuable information.