SSD Recovery

How Stellar Recovered Data from a McAfee-Encrypted NVMe SSD in Gurugram?


Table of Content

Case Summary:

A retail banking organization approached Stellar Data Recovery Gurugram office after critical banking data became inaccessible. The data was stored on a 512 GB WD solid-state drive (SSD). The data became inaccessible because one partition was encrypted with McAfee Drive Encryption.

Stellar data recovery experts implemented a multi-step recovery process and successfully restored the encrypted data.

Understanding the Problem: Encrypted SSD Data Became Inaccessible

The client stated that they had transferred important data to the D drive as backup before formatting the C drive of the system. But once the operating system was reinstalled, the D drive was not visible on the system anymore. Their predicament began when they found out that the D drive was encrypted with McAfee encryption.

What is Drive Encryption?

Encryption is a process that converts readable data (plaintext) into unreadable encoded format: ciphertext. The purpose of encryption is not to prevent the data theft or hacking, instead to prevent data from being used by unauthorized users.

There are three types of encryption—full disk encryption, partition/volume encryption, and file encryption. In this particular case, the D drive of a WD NVMe SSD was encrypted with McAfee encryption software. It is a strong cryptic utility that prevents unauthorized access to the data stored on the drive.

Encrypted SSD Data Recovery by Stellar Data Recovery Gurugram

Media Inspection

Stellar’s recovery experts began with a comprehensive diagnosis of the solid-state drive (SSD). During the inspection, the following observations were made:

  • The C drive was accessible on the system
  • No additional partitions were visible
  • The drive showed signs of partial encryption through McAfee Encryption
  • The backup partition (D drive) containing important data was missing

This indicated that the backup data was inaccessible due to the D drive encryption, making standard recovery tools ineffective.

Drive Decryption

In order to access the encrypted part of the SSD safely, our recovery team requested the McAfee XML decryption file from the client. After receiving the required file, the team carried out the following steps:

  • Decrypted the encrypted drive with the help of the customer-provided McAfee XML file.
  • Performed a comprehensive bit-by-bit scan of the whole drive to locate the required data.

Note: Data recovery from encrypted drives requires a valid decryption key or password. Without these credentials, data remains inaccessible. Our experts use secure, compatible tools (e.g., BitLocker, McAfee) to facilitate the recovery process once the key is provided.

Recovery and Verification

Once the lost partition was restored, the recovered files underwent a thorough verification process to ensure their integrity.

The verification process included:

  • File accessibility and structure checks
  • Data integrity validation
  • Directory structure confirmation
  • Verification of recovered data by the end user.

Data Recovery Results

Our recovery team was able to restore 43 GB of critical data from the NVMe SSD using their expertise in encrypted data recovery. Upon verification by the client, the recovered files were delivered in an organized format.

Why Professional SSD Data Recovery Matters

  • Formatted SSDs and encrypted drives are usually complicated and need special recovery measures. Under such circumstances, it is essential to consult a professional service provider.
  • Stellar Data Recovery is an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified service provider with over 30 years of experience handling complex data loss scenarios across India.
  • Lost access to your data on an SSD due to formatting, encryption issues, or partition loss? Contact Stellar SSD Data Recovery for expert encrypted data recovery assistance.

Conclusion

Data inaccessibility after formatting or OS reinstallation can occur unexpectedly. When encryption is involved, the recovery process becomes even more complicated.

In this case, Stellar Data Recovery Gurugram successfully restored important files from a formatted and partially encrypted SSD. The client expressed satisfaction with the outcome and appreciated the prompt technical support provided by the Stellar team.

You may also encounter problems related to data encryption that can lead to data inaccessibility. Read our blogs to learn how our experts performed enterprise-level decryption and recovery.

FAQs

1. What is SSD drive encryption?

SSD drive encryption is a security feature that converts stored data into an unreadable format using an encryption key. This ensures that only authorized users with the correct decryption key can access the data stored on the SSD.

2. Can I recover data from formatted SSD?

Yes, it is possible to recover data from a formatted SSD. Due to the fact that SSDs save data in a different manner than traditional hard drives, data recovery in formatted and encrypted SSDs is very sensitive and needs specific skills.

3. How much does SSD recovery cost?

The data recovery cost vary depending on complexity of the case and amount of data to be recovered. To get an idea about the charges contact Stellar Data Recovery. Our working hours are Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.

4. Does Stellar provide data recovery for all SSD brands and models?

Yes, Stellar provides data recovery for all SSD brands and models, including WD, SanDisk, Kingston, Patriot, G. SKILL, Samsung, Intel, OCZ, Corsair, and more. We support a wide range of SSD types, including all types of detachable and undetachable models.

5. How long does SSD data recovery take?

The time required for data recovery depends on the complexity of the case and the amount of data to be recovered. Stellar Data Recovery’s experts provide an estimated timeline after the initial inspection.

6. Where is the Stellar Data Recovery center located in Gurugram?

The Stellar Data Recovery center in Gurugram is located in Sector 33, a well-connected area that allows customers to easily visit the office for professional data recovery consultation and device submission.

About The Author

Somdatta De
Somdatta De linkdin

Somdatta is a professional content writer and analyst focused on the storage technology sector, with expertise in both magnetic and flash storage, as well as cloud computing and virtualization concepts. She translates technical concepts into clear, engaging content to sensitize readers toward a multitude of data loss scenarios and help them gain insights into the nuances of data recovery.