HD Doctor vs Secure Data Recovery: Which to choose
Direct answer
Secure Data Recovery is one of the largest US-based recovery firms, with SOC 2 Type II, ISO 5 certification and 24×7 service. HD Doctor is the largest independent operation in the Americas south of the United States, with its own Class 100 cleanroom, WD Platinum Partnership and direct service in Brazil. For media already in the US or for cases requiring US jurisdiction, Secure Data makes sense. For cases in Brazil/LATAM, HD Doctor delivers the same technical level with significantly shorter turnaround and lower cost.
Both are real technical operations. The practical decision is about media location and contract jurisdiction, not technical quality.
Who is Secure Data Recovery
Secure Data Recovery Services is a US company founded in 2007 with headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio and 50+ collection sites across the United States. They operate an ISO 5 (Class 100) certified laboratory, SOC 2 Type II, with HIPAA, FERPA and GLBA compliance. They handle a high volume of forensic and corporate cases in the US market.
When Secure Data Recovery may be preferable
- 1.Media already in the US. Equipment shipped to the US for support and failed there: it may be simpler to go to a local US lab.
- 2.Forensic case in US court. US litigation may require a report issued by a firm with SOC 2 Type II under US jurisdiction.
- 3.Primary HIPAA/FERPA compliance. US healthcare or education sectors operating under HIPAA or FERPA may prefer a US partner.
Rational decision criteria
Use these steps to decide on facts.
- 1
Where is the media today
Media in Brazil → HD Doctor is the natural path. Media in US → Secure Data is more practical.
- 2
Which jurisdiction applies
Dispute in Brazil → Brazilian contract under LGPD. Dispute in US → US contract.
- 3
Acceptable urgency
International logistics adds 6 to 14 days in shipping alone. If urgency is critical, a local vendor is better.
- 4
Who is accountable for the data
HD Doctor is accountable in Brazil under LGPD with accessible DPO. Secure Data is accountable in the US under HIPAA/FERPA/GLBA.
- 5
Currency and financial flow
BRL invoicing avoids FX exposure and simplifies national accounting.
Typical SLA comparison (Brazil-based client)
| Scenario | Turnaround |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | HD Doctor: 24 to 48h. Secure Data: 5 to 10 business days with shipping |
| Standard logical recovery | HD Doctor: 5 to 10 business days. Secure Data: 12 to 25 business days |
| Physical recovery | HD Doctor: 7 to 15 business days. Secure Data: 18 to 35 business days |
| Corporate RAID | HD Doctor: 10 to 25 business days. Secure Data: 25 to 50 business days |
| Express | HD Doctor: from 24h. Secure Data: from 5 days (logistics limited) |
- Secure Data timelines assume a Brazilian client and include pickup, international shipping, customs and return.
Side-by-side comparison
Public, verifiable criteria. Updated 2026.
| Family | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 5 / Class 100 cleanroom | ✅ Own facility in São Paulo | ✅ Yes, certified in US |
| SOC 2 Type II | In progress | ✅ Yes |
| Western Digital partnership | ✅ Platinum Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Years in market | 24+ years | 18+ years |
| Cases handled | 300,000+ | 100,000+ |
| Collection sites | SP, RJ, BH, Curitiba + nationwide Brazil shipping | 50+ sites in US + international shipping |
| Direct LGPD compliance | ✅ Contract + DPO in Brazil | HIPAA/FERPA/GLBA; LGPD via clause |
| Invoicing | ✅ BRL with local invoice | USD via international partner |
| Average turnaround (Brazil client) | 5 to 10 business days | 12 to 30 business days (incl. logistics) |
| Service languages | PT, EN, ES | EN (PT via partner) |
When HD Doctor makes more sense
- 🇧🇷You are in Brazil or LATAM and want to avoid exporting media to the US (customs, USD, timeline).
- 📄You need a PT contract with an LGPD clause and a local accountable DPO.
- ⚡You are in a hurry: our turnaround is less than half of Secure Data's when international logistics is counted.
- 💰You want to pay in BRL without FX exposure.
- 🤝You want corporate service in PT/EN/ES without intermediaries.
FAQ
Does Secure Data Recovery serve Brazil?
Yes, via international shipping. The Brazilian client ships the media to Cleveland, Ohio with customs declaration, pays in USD and receives it back after 12 to 30 business days depending on the case. All technical work stays in the US.
Is it worth shipping to the US?
Only in specific cases: US-jurisdiction litigation, contractual SOC 2 requirement, or primary HIPAA compliance. For standard Brazil cases, HD Doctor delivers the same technical level (Class 100 cleanroom, certified team, WD Platinum) at half the timeline with no FX exposure.
Does HD Doctor have SOC 2?
We are in the implementation process. For current audit needs we offer ISO 9001, documented access controls, 24×7 CCTV, fireproof safe and a contract with LGPD clause. Corporate clients can request full controls documentation.
What is the worst risk of exporting the media?
Three risks: (1) customs retention for incorrect declaration, delaying the case by weeks; (2) loss or damage during international transit; (3) foreign jurisdiction limits your legal recourse in case of issue. Keeping the media in Brazil under LGPD eliminates these three risks.
What about multinationals?
For media originated in Brazil, keeping it in Brazil under LGPD is the cleanest path. For media originated in the US, keep it in the US. HD Doctor operates PT/EN/ES contracts serving multinationals with LATAM operations.
Want a comparison for your case?
No international shipping. No FX exposure. Response in 24 to 48h.