Database Recovery: How to Restore Lost Data

Databases are critical components of modern technology, storing vast amounts of data for personal users, government agencies, and businesses of all sizes. However, data loss can occur, and when it does, having a recovery plan is essential. 

Database data recovery is a critical process for restoring lost data and ensuring the continued functionality of database systems. By understanding common data loss scenarios and utilizing effective recovery methods such as backups and professional services, you can mitigate the impact of data loss and swiftly regain access to your essential data. 

What is database data recovery?

Database data recovery involves the process of salvaging inaccessible, lost, corrupted, damaged, or formatted data from database systems. The goal is to recover as much original data as possible and restore the database to a functional state. 

Database data loss scenarios

You can lose your data due to several errors, cyber-attacks, and even hardware mishandling. Each of these scenarios presents unique challenges and requires different approaches to data recovery.

Data loss can occur due to several reasons, including:

• Deleted Data. Accidental or intentional deletion of database entries.
• Formatted or Reset. Perform a factory reset or format the database storage.
• Slow Reading. Data is present but is slow to copy or access.
• Unreadable Data. The device is accessible, but the data is corrupt or unreadable.
• Water/Fire Damage. Physical damage to the storage device due to environmental factors.
• Data Migration. Issues arising from migrating data from legacy systems.
• Ransomware/Malware. Data encrypted or corrupted by malicious software.

These errors can be human mistakes, employee sabotage, environmental or natural disasters, or cyberattacks that cause business disruption or have financial goals. Digital forensics can discover the causes of data loss for insurance and legal purposes.

Database data recovery methods

Databases are complex systems that require expertise for a successful data recovery case. In serious scenarios, such as physical damage to the hardware, you might need to replace the device besides the data recovery process. If you don’t have backups, contact a data recovery service provider to salvage your data.

Restore data using backups

The most straightforward and effective way to recover lost data is by using backups. Regularly scheduled backups are a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of data loss and ensure quick recovery.

1. Ensure you have a recent and valid database backup.
2. Use the database management system’s built-in tools to restore the data from the backup. This process will vary depending on your database software (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL) and if you have copies on other backup methods.
3. After restoration, verify the integrity and completeness of the recovered data to ensure the database functions correctly.

Restore data with professional help

When backups are unavailable, or the data loss scenario is complex, seeking professional help is advisable. Professional data recovery services, such as those offered by SalvageData, provide specialized expertise and tools to recover lost data.

Our professionals have years of experience in secure data recovery and operate in ISO-certified laboratories. We also offer emergency data recovery services in Canada to provide you with the minimum downtime possible.