Frequently Asked Questions About Encrypted Data Recovery

Our team of recovery engineers is well versed in recovering your sensitive data from an encrypted device. With a state of the art Cleanroom and strict SSAE-16 Type-II security standards we can safely repair your devices and recover your data.

In order to recover protected files without compromising your security, our engineers use proprietary tools designed to work around encryption.

Over the years we have been able to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions our customers have about the encrypted data recovery process. Click on any of the questions outlined below to have the answer explained on screen.

If you have any additional comments or questions, please contact our customer service department at 1-800-388-1266

• Q: Can Secure Data Recovery Services remove encryption without access to keys?

  While this depends on the encryption algorithm, the answer is generally no. We need access to your passwords or keys in order to perform our services, and it is important to note that encrypted data recovery is not the same as password recovery.

  However, our teams can perform password recovery in some circumstances. Contact our customer service team for more information.

• Q: Does encryption lower my chances of a successful data recovery?

  No. Encryption certainly affects data and file structures, but it does not necessarily impede recovery efforts.

  Our engineers have decades of experience and an extensive set of advanced data recovery tools, and we offer exceptional success rates for encrypted files.

• Q: Does Secure Data Recovery Services offer services for full-disk encryption?

  Yes. We have experience with EFS and other full-disk encryption tools, and our engineers have access to specialized file recovery applications developed by our own research and development department.

  We offer several recovery options for fully encrypted disks, including an industry-leading 24/7/365 emergency option. In some cases, we can also repair files remotely, although this is not possible in every case.

• Q: Can I use software to recover encrypted data?

  Most data recovery applications are not designed to treat encrypted data, and they can cause serious corruption and media damage when used improperly. We do not recommend any commercial data recovery software for this reason.

  If you cannot access encrypted data, set up a risk-free evaluation at one of our facilities. Secure Data Recovery Services operates more than 40 facilities throughout the United States, and as leaders in encrypted file recovery, we can provide fast, safe results.

• Q: How does the encrypted data recovery process work?

  All of our data recovery services use the same general process, although we create customized recovery plans for every case. Your case will start with a media evaluation, which provides you with a turnaround and cost estimate.

  After we receive your approval, our engineers treat any physical media issues in order to restore your device to a fully functional condition. Depending on your device's failure scenario, we may need to repair or replace multiple components. We always perform these procedures in a certified Class 10 ISO 4 Cleanroom, which ensures consistent results.

  We then create a full clone of your device and perform logical procedures to restore your files. We can decrypt your data if we have access to your security keys, or we can return the encrypted data in its original format.

  Secure Data Recovery Services uses SSAE 16 Type II certified security procedures, and we hold several other security certifications for the benefit of our clients. Contact us for a full list of our credentials.

• Q: Can I receive my recovered data in an encrypted format?

  Yes. We can return your data in a number of encrypted formats upon request. Call our customer service team to discuss options or to set up a new case.