TL;DR
Yes, a hard drive can absolutely be destroyed by being drowned in water. However, immediate action can sometimes save the data. Don’t power it on! Disconnect it, dry it as much as possible, and seek professional cyber security data recovery help.
Understanding the Problem
Hard drives store data magnetically. Water causes corrosion of the delicate internal components (platters, read/write heads, motor) and short circuits when electricity is applied. Even a small amount of water can cause significant damage. Saltwater is even worse due to its conductive properties.
What to Do Immediately
- Power Off: This is the most important step! Do not attempt to power on the drive, even briefly.
- Disconnect Power & Data Cables: Remove all cables connected to the hard drive (SATA, IDE, USB).
- Remove from Enclosure (If Possible): If the drive is in an external enclosure, carefully remove it. This allows for better airflow during drying.
Drying Process
The goal is to remove all traces of water as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
- Shake Gently: Carefully shake the drive (with connectors facing down) to dislodge excess water. Don’t swing it violently!
- Air Dry: Place the drive in a warm, dry place with good airflow for at least 24-72 hours. A fan can help speed up the process. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources (like hair dryers) as this could cause further damage.
- Desiccant Packs: Surround the drive with desiccant packs (silica gel packets – often found in new electronics). These absorb moisture. You can find these online or at craft stores.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t Power On: Repeatedly, do not attempt to power on the drive until it has been professionally assessed.
- Don’t Use a Hair Dryer: Heat can warp components and cause more damage.
- Don’t Open the Drive Yourself: Hard drives are sealed in a clean environment. Opening them exposes the platters to dust, which is just as damaging as water.
- Don’t Freeze It: This is an old myth that can cause condensation and further problems.
Professional Data Recovery
If the data on the drive is important, do not attempt to recover it yourself. Contact a professional cyber security data recovery service.
- Cleanroom Environment: Professionals have cleanrooms to open and work on drives without contamination.
- Specialized Tools: They use specialized tools to remove corrosion, repair damaged components, and read the data.
- Platter Transfer: If the drive is severely damaged, they may need to transfer the platters to a compatible drive for data extraction.
Cost of Recovery
Data recovery costs vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of drive. Expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £1000+.
Preventing Future Water Damage
- Backup Regularly: The best way to protect your data is to have regular backups (cloud, external hard drive, etc.).
- Safe Placement: Keep drives in a safe location away from liquids.