Case Study

Recovered 512GB from a Physically Damaged MacBook Pro with APFS Encryption

Seamless Recovery Solutions, Ensuring Complete Data Retrieval Without Interruptions

Overview:

This case study highlights successful data recovery of a MacBook Pro (M2 Processor) with a 512 GB APFS encrypted onboard SSD, brought to Stellar Data Recovery. The client, an individual user, faced physical damage to the device and lost 512 GB of critical data.

Client Background:

The client approached Stellar Data Recovery after their MacBook Pro with an M2 processor and an onboard SSD stopped functioning. The stored data was crucial and encrypted, necessitating a precise and secure recovery process.

Addressing Key Challenges in Data Recovery:

Device Complexity: The MacBook Pro featured an onboard SSD and advanced M2 processor, requiring specialized expertise.
Encryption: The file system (APFS) was encrypted, adding another layer of complexity.
Physical Damage: The device exhibited issues in the power circuit, necessitating intricate component handling.

Data Recovery Actions & Approach:

Upon receiving the MacBook Pro, our technical experts conducted a thorough assessment to determine the extent of the damage and the feasibility of data recovery.

Initial Assessment:

Upon receiving the device, our team conducted a thorough inspection and identified a problem in the power circuit area. This was the primary cause of the device's failure.

Recovery Strategy:

1. Chip-Level Data Extraction:

The M2 security chip was removed and read using a specialized tool.
Data chips were extracted and processed using a dedicated data reader.

2. Data Transfer to Stellar Media:

Using proprietary configurations, the data from the chips was written to Stellar media for further processing.

3. Decryption Process:

The encrypted APFS file system posed a significant challenge. With the client's cooperation, the administrator account password was obtained, enabling the team to decrypt the data virtually.

Data Recovery Success:

Using Stellar's proprietary tools and expertise, 100% of the data was successfully decrypted and recovered, meeting the client's expectations and requirements.

Check Our Blog For on APFS vs. Mac OS Extended: Which File System is Better?

Conclusion:

The complex recovery of a physically damaged, encrypted MacBook Pro onboard SSD demonstrates Stellar's unparalleled expertise in handling advanced data recovery scenarios.

Business Need

The client required complete data recovery from a physically damaged MacBook Pro while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the encrypted files.

Solution Approach