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First Response & Preservation Technical Explainer

Could reconnecting a device trigger cloud synchronisation?

Yes. Reconnection can upload queued local files, download newer versions, apply deletion and permission changes, and deliver management commands.

Capture the offline state first

Record account, application, files, timestamps, sync status, conflicts, failed uploads and storage warnings. A local file may be overwritten, while an unsynchronised item can create a new provider event.

Consider controlled local capture or provider preservation before reconnecting.

Observe the synchronisation event

If necessary, use a controlled network and record time, device, account and method. Capture immediately before and after, including uploads, downloads, versions, deletions, prompts and alerts.

Synchronisation time is not necessarily creation or edit time.

Key takeaway

Preserve the offline cloud state before controlled reconnection creates a new, potentially irreversible synchronisation sequence.

Reference: FRP-125First Response & Preservation