Diagnosis: The first step involves diagnosing the cause and extent of data loss. For physical damage, this might involve inspecting the hardware. For logical damage, software tools can help identify the issue.

Image Creation: To prevent further data loss, a bit-by-bit copy (image) of the affected storage device is made. This allows recovery efforts to be carried out on the copy, preserving the original device.

Recovery: Depending on the diagnosis, appropriate recovery methods are applied. This could involve using software tools to retrieve data from the image or physically repairing and reading data from the damaged hardware.

Verification: The recovered data is verified to ensure it is intact and usable. This step involves checking the integrity and completeness of the recovered files.

Restoration: The recovered data is then transferred to a new storage device or returned to the user in the desired format.

Preventive Measures

Regular Backups: Regularly backing up important data to multiple locations (e.g., cloud storage, external drives) can mitigate the impact of data loss.

Use of Reliable Hardware: Investing in high-quality, reliable storage devices can reduce the risk of hardware failure.

Anti-Virus and Security Software: Protecting systems with up-to-date anti-virus and security software can prevent data loss due to malware or cyberattacks.

Environmental Control: Keeping storage devices in environments free from extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical shocks can prevent damage.

Proper Shutdown Procedures: Ensuring that devices are properly ejected and systems are properly shut down can prevent data corruption.