Data loss can have devastating consequences for businesses, particularly those in the healthcare industry where sensitive patient data and medical records are involved. Recently, our team at PITS Global Data Recovery Services tackled an intricate data recovery project involving a multi-hospital healthcare provider in Maryland and Delaware. This case study delves into the technical challenges and innovative solutions that led to the successful recovery of over 30 years’ worth of critical data for the client.
Client Background
Our client, a multi-million-dollar healthcare provider, managed 30 hospitals across Maryland and Delaware, employing over 2,000 staff members. They operated a dedicated fiber optic network connecting their offices and maintained a secure data center with biometric authentication for enhanced security.
The company relied on the robust Epicor Document Management System (DMS) to store, manage, and control access to sensitive patient data, including medical bills, records, DICOM images, MRI, and CT scans. The data, spanning over 30 years, was stored on RAID 6 configured storage devices with Carbonite online backup systems in place. Unfortunately, poor IT management, disaster recovery practices, and a lack of regular server assessments led to catastrophic data loss.
The Importance of Data in the Healthcare Industry
In the healthcare sector, data is a vital resource. Medical professionals rely on accurate, up-to-date patient information to make informed decisions about patient care and treatment plans.
Additionally, billing departments need access to complete records to ensure timely and accurate invoicing. Losing access to this data can lead to significant operational disruptions, financial losses, and potential compliance issues.
Data Loss Problem
The healthcare provider’s primary storage system, which housed all documents and database files, experienced multiple sequential hard drive failures.
These failures occurred over several months, unbeknownst to the IT department, due to the absence of notification systems and regular HP ILO Management checks. Eventually, the entire data storage system collapsed, putting decades of vital patient data at risk.
Understanding RAID 6 and Its Challenges
RAID 6 is a storage configuration that provides enhanced fault tolerance through the use of double parity. It can withstand the failure of up to two drives without data loss. However, when more than two drives fail or when drive failures go unnoticed for an extended period, data recovery can become a complex and challenging process.
Our Approach to the Data Recovery Case
Upon evaluating the situation, our team of data recovery experts at PITS Global Data Recovery Services devised a customized plan that included the following steps:
Secure Environment. To protect sensitive data, we established a secure environment for data recovery, complete with strict access controls, encryption measures, and an isolated cleanroom workspace.
Hardware Assessment. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the damaged RAID 6 array, identifying the extent of damage and determining the best course of action for recovery. Our assessment found that several hard drives had failed sequentially over time, complicating the recovery process.
Repairing Failed Hard Drives. The hard drives had experienced mechanical failure, necessitating repair before data recovery could proceed. We employed a mobile, portable ISO Certified Class 10 cleanroom laminar flow hood to open the hard drives in a cleanroom environment and replace failed parts without causing further damage. Our logistics team delivered all necessary tools, mobile laminar flow hoods, and reagents from our New York lab to Maryland. Using these tools, we repaired the HPE 12GB SAS 2.5″ hard drives.
Customized Recovery Solution. We designed a tailored data recovery solution that combined cutting-edge tools and techniques to extract lost data. This involved creating bitwise disk images from the repaired, working hard drives, and rebuilding the RAID 6 array using specialized software.
Data Extraction and Reconstruction. Our team meticulously extracted and reconstructed the RAID array using disk images. We then employed advanced data recovery algorithms to recover the lost files, restoring the Epicor DMS and the file system to their original states.
Handling the Copying Challenge. The primary challenge was to save 40TB of very small files. Copying 40TB of video files versus copying 40TB of files under 100KBs presents a significant difference in timing due to processing time. To overcome this challenge, we installed 10 HP Z G8 Workstations with 512GB RAM and Dual XEON Processors, which enabled us to handle the extensive copying process efficiently. It took us 5 business days to complete the copying.
Quality Assurance. We conducted rigorous quality checks to verify the accuracy and completeness of the recovered data, cross-referencing the data with the client’s records and performing validation tests, such as checking file integrity and opening sample files.
Lessons Learned and Best Practices
This case study highlights the importance of robust IT management, disaster recovery practices, and regular server assessments in preventing catastrophic data loss. To safeguard valuable data, organizations should consider implementing the following best practices:
Regular monitoring and maintenance. Set up automated monitoring systems and perform regular health checks on storage systems to detect potential hardware failures and address them promptly.
Implementing a comprehensive backup strategy. Ensure that multiple backup copies are stored in different locations, including offsite and/or cloud backups, to minimize the risk of data loss due to hardware failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks.
Employee training and awareness. Educate IT staff and other employees on the importance of data security, early warning signs of potential issues, and the proper procedures for addressing them.
Establishing a disaster recovery plan. Develop a detailed disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of data loss, including the process for engaging a professional data recovery service.
Results of This Data Recovery Case
Through our systematic and innovative approach, we successfully recovered 99.8% of the lost data, far exceeding the client’s expectations. The healthcare provider was able to resume normal operations with minimal downtime, ensuring uninterrupted patient care and billing processes across their network of hospitals.
Benefits of Choosing Our Recovery Service:
24/7 Emergency Service Availability
So if you're facing a data loss situation, don't hesitate to contact us. Our 24/7 data recovery services are available to you, 365 days a year. Let us help you recover your precious data today.
Over 50 Locations Across the US
We offer data recovery services from over 50 locations across the US. This means that no matter where you are located, you can access our services and get the support you need to recover the data.
Certified Data Recovery Laboratories.
So if you're facing a data loss situation, look no further. With our certified data recovery labs and 99% success rate, we are confident that we can recover your precious data and get you back on track.
ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom
Our engineers work in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of your device. We recover data in ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom and achieve high results.
Risk-free Evaluation and Assessment
We start the recovery process with a risk-free evaluation. Our technicians estimate reasons for data loss and the level of damage. Based on it, we select the most suitable recovery strategy.
100% Customer Satisfaction Rate
With years in the data recovery industry, our company supports the highest customer satisfaction rate. We do everything to provide a positive experience for our clients.
The success of this multi-hospital data recovery case in Maryland and Delaware demonstrates our team’s expertise, dedication, and ability to handle complex and sensitive projects with highly technical challenges. At PITS Global Data Recovery Services, we are committed to helping our clients overcome data loss challenges and safeguard their valuable information.
If you or your organization need data recovery services, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements and discover how we can help you. With the right preventive measures and a reliable data recovery partner, organizations can minimize the risk of data loss and maintain the integrity of their critical information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RAID 6 array?
A RAID 6 array is a type of data storage system that uses two sets of parity data to protect against data loss due to drive failure. It requires at least four drives to operate, and can sustain up to two drive failures without losing data.
What happens when a drive fails in a RAID 6 array?
When a drive fails in a RAID 6 array, the system will continue to function and the data on the remaining drives can still be accessed. However, the array will be operating in a degraded state and is vulnerable to further drive failures. It’s important to replace the failed drive as soon as possible to restore the array’s fault tolerance.
How do I know if a drive has failed in my RAID 6 array?
The RAID controller should provide an alert or notification when a drive has failed. You may also notice slower performance or data errors when accessing the array. It’s important to monitor the status of your RAID array regularly to detect and address any issues.
What if two drives fail in a RAID 6 array?
A RAID 6 array can sustain up to two drive failures without losing data. However, if two drives fail at the same time or during the rebuild process, the array will fail and data may be lost. It’s important to have a backup of your data to protect against this scenario.
Can I recover data from a failed RAID 6 array?
In some cases, data can be recovered from a failed RAID 6 array using specialized data recovery tools and services. However, the success of data recovery depends on various factors, such as the extent of the damage and the quality of the backup. It’s recommended to consult a professional data recovery service for assistance with a failed RAID 6 array.
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