A client contacted Belfast Data Recovery after their Iomega NAS StorCenter experienced intentional data deletion and formatting by a sacked ex-employee. The reported issues included:
- The ex-employee deliberately deleted and formatted critical business files stored on the Iomega NAS.
- The NAS contained essential office data, including financial records, project documents, and client files.
- No recent backup was available, making recovery the only solution.
- The company required a Forensic Report to determine how and when the deletion occurred for legal purposes.
Since accidental deletion and formatting do not immediately erase data but mark it as free space, a forensic-level recovery approach was required to reconstruct lost files and provide a detailed forensic analysis.
Our Expertise in Iomega NAS StorCenter Recovery & Digital Forensics
With 25 years of experience, Belfast Data Recovery specialises in:
✔ Recovering data from deleted and formatted NAS systems
✔ Forensic analysis and reporting for legal and corporate investigations
✔ Advanced RAID and NAS recovery techniques using Acelabs PC3000, RapidSpar, DFL-SRP, DeepSpar imaging, and Atola Insight Forensic tools
Diagnosis & Recovery Process
Upon receiving the Iomega NAS StorCenter, our forensic engineers conducted a detailed investigation and recovery process. The key findings included:
- The NAS device had been intentionally formatted, but the underlying data was still recoverable.
- Deletion logs indicated multiple manual file removals, confirming intentional data tampering.
- RAID metadata was intact, allowing partial reconstruction of lost file structures.
To successfully recover the client’s lost files and provide a forensic report, we implemented a multi-step forensic NAS recovery strategy:
Step 1: Drive Imaging & Data Preservation
- Used DeepSpar Disk Imager to create a sector-by-sector forensic clone of all NAS drives.
- Applied adaptive read techniques to extract data from overwritten sectors.
Step 2: RAID Reconstruction & File System Recovery
- Analysed and recreated the RAID configuration used in the Iomega NAS StorCenter.
- Used Acelabs PC3000 & Atola Insight Forensic tools to scan for fragmented and deleted file traces.
Step 3: File Extraction & Validation
- Recovered business-critical spreadsheets, financial records, and project documents.
- Restored client contracts, office emails, and operational files.
- Ensured data integrity checks to confirm file accuracy.
Step 4: Forensic Report & Legal Documentation
- Created a detailed forensic timeline showing when deletions occurred.
- Generated a comprehensive forensic report, including:
- Timestamp logs of deleted files
- User actions traced from NAS event logs
- Metadata analysis to support legal claims
Step 5: Secure Data Transfer & Preventative Recommendations
- Successfully transferred recovered data to a secure external NAS system.
- Provided recommendations on securing NAS access to prevent unauthorised deletions in the future.
The Result
We successfully recovered 98.6% of the client’s lost business data, including:
✅ Financial records, invoices, and tax documents
✅ Project files, client reports, and office contracts
✅ Email logs and internal business communications
Additionally, our Forensic Report provided legal documentation confirming the actions of the ex-employee, which the client used for HR and legal proceedings.
Why Choose Belfast Data Recovery for Iomega NAS StorCenter Recovery?
✅ 25 Years of Expertise – Specialists in NAS data recovery and forensic investigations.
✅ Forensic Digital Analysis – Providing legally admissible forensic reports.
✅ Advanced RAID & NAS Reconstruction – Recovering lost files even after formatting.
✅ Fast & Secure Process – Ensuring complete confidentiality and legal compliance.
If your Iomega NAS StorCenter has suffered accidental deletion, formatting, or intentional data loss, contact Belfast Data Recovery today for expert data recovery and forensic services!