Data recovery FAQ: answers to your questions

Unlike mechanical hard drives, SSDs and flash memory devices (USB sticks, SD cards) do not require a laminar flow environment because they have no moving parts or magnetic platters. Data recovery relies on microsoldering techniques and direct reading of NAND chips using specialized stations. Our laboratory is equipped for both types of interventions.

Yes, we have experience with many professional backup formats.

Even when the exact backup software is unknown or undocumented, we can often identify it through a hexadecimal analysis of the tape, a technique that examines the binary structure of the data to recognize the signatures specific to each format.

Yes. Tesweb SA holds the CyberSafe label (awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a complete audit), complies with the nLPD (RS 235.1, which came into force on September 1, 2023), and is authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The laboratory is equipped with a laminar flow hood certified ISO 5 according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³). The premises are secured by cameras, access badges, and an alarm system, with media stored in a safe.

In most cases, yes. Many Swiss home insurance policies offer a supplementary "cyber" or "digital data" module that includes data recovery from defective media. Check the general terms and conditions of your policy or contact your broker.

Many Swiss insurance policies (household insurance, property insurance, liability insurance) cover data recovery costs. SOS Data Recovery is a direct partner of La Mobilière and Helvetia, and we handle the administrative procedures with your insurer. A common condition: the laboratory must be based in Switzerland — which is the case for us, in Ins.

A hard drive not being recognized by the BIOS is a hardware or software failure that prevents the boot system from detecting the storage device, making data access impossible without technical intervention.

To access the BIOS, press F2, F9, F12 or Delete depending on your motherboard manufacturer, immediately after powering on. The BIOS will display the list of detected devices, allowing you to confirm whether the drive is recognized or not.

Yes. SOS Data Recovery has been featured on RTS (Téléjournal 19h30, On en parle), in articles in L'Express and IBCom Market, and consulted as an expert for the police series RIS broadcast on TF1.

Our data recovery service is one of the few providers in Switzerland with a certified cleanroom on-site, ensuring interventions in a controlled, particle-free environment, essential for mechanical hard drives and sensitive media.

What specifically sets us apart:

• Cleanroom in Switzerland – Interventions performed locally, without sending abroad, for maximum data security
• Swiss Label certification – Guarantee of quality and recognized Swiss origin
• CyberSafe certification – Compliance with cybersecurity standards for the protection of your information
• Federal accreditation – Authorized to process classified information from the Swiss Confederation, the highest level of trust in the sector
• Individual analysis and transparent report – Each case is subject to a personalized diagnosis with a clear report before any intervention

Key point: Being accredited to process classified data from the Swiss Confederation represents the most demanding security standard on the market — a guarantee that few European providers can offer.

You have three options: (1) postal delivery — pack your media with anti-static protection and rigid packaging, then ship it to our laboratory in Ins (Anet); (2) drop-off at one of our 30+ partner collection points in Switzerland; (3) home collection by courier (25 CHF). Detailed packaging instructions are sent to you upon validation of your form.

Use the interactive map above or filter by canton in the list. Our network covers 16 Swiss cantons with over 50 drop-off points. If no partner is available in your region, postal delivery remains a fast and secure option.

You have two options: drop off your media at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or send it to us by registered mail directly to our laboratory (Lagerhausstrasse 25, 3232 Ins). Upon request, we will provide you with a free secure shipping label. Careful packaging (bubble wrap or rigid foam) is essential to prevent damage during transport.

You drop off your damaged media at the nearest partner location. They pack it in protective packaging provided by SOS Data Recovery and ship it to our laboratory in Ins (Anet) within 24 hours. You will receive a free diagnosis within 3 hours of receipt.

The cost depends on the type of media (hard drive, SSD, RAID, USB drive, etc.) and the nature of the failure (logical or physical). No recovery, no fee. In case of failure, only the attempt fee will be charged.

The diagnosis is delivered in less than 3 hours. The recovery time depends on the tape's capacity and the nature of the failure, but most cases are resolved in 24 to 72 hours.

The recovery time after a ransomware attack varies greatly depending on the complexity of the case:

• Ransomware already decrypted (public key available): 24 to 72 hours to apply decryption to all files
• Recovery via intact backups: from a few hours to a few days depending on the volume of data and the state of the infrastructure
• Forensic analysis and search for cryptographic flaws: from 1 to several weeks—some analyses require significant computing resources
• Cases with no known decryption solution: retention of encrypted files pending a key being published later (Hive, Ragnar Locker, etc. cases)

Our emergency response service (Critical level) is available 24/7 for companies whose business continuity is compromised.