IT Forensics · Drones

Recovering deleted files from drone memory cards – Reconstructing supposedly lost footage and data

In many cases, files deleted from drone memory cards – such as photos, videos or flight logs – are not immediately physically removed, but are merely marked as overwritable, which in principle makes forensic recovery possible.

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The actual chances of a successful recovery depend largely on how many write operations have taken place on the memory card since the deletion.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We secure drone memory cards by making them read-only and then use established recovery methods to reconstruct deleted files as far as technically possible.

Typical areas of application

•Recovering deleted photos and videos
•Reconstruction of deleted flight log files
•Investigation into evidence that has been deliberately destroyed
•Supplement to ongoing investigations into drone incidents
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Cooperation with law enforcement agencies on drone-related offences

This is how the recovery of deleted files works

Once the memory card has been backed up in read-only mode, the raw data set is systematically scanned for remnants of deleted files. Any data fragments found are reconstructed in full where possible and checked for plausibility.

Why is the recovery of deleted files relevant from a forensic perspective?

Recordings or log data that have been deliberately deleted may be a strong indication of an attempt to cover something up, whilst at the same time often providing the very information that is relevant as evidence.

As a full recovery is not always possible, the extent of the recovery actually achieved is always communicated in a realistic and transparent manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances of a successful recovery?+
This depends very much on the time elapsed and the writing operations that have taken place since the deletion, and so there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Are incomplete file fragments also analysed?+
Yes, even partially recovered file fragments may contain relevant forensic information and are documented accordingly.
Can specific formatting prevent recovery?+
Formatting makes recovery considerably more difficult, but does not always make it completely impossible.

LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into „Recovering deleted files from drone memory cards"? LanCologne can assist you with the legally admissible preservation of digital evidence and the transparent analysis of relevant drone artefacts.

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