Data loss is annoying; this is true for everything from a single individual to the largest companies imaginable. How hard disks get damaged and how data loss can occur is shown in the following list – and of course what countermeasures can be taken. The countermeasure that always works is to make a regular backup of all data.
More than 50%: Hardware malfunctions
This damage is by far responsible for most partial or total data loss. With conventional magnetic hard disks, for example, this is the head crash, which is as famous as it is dreaded. Also power failures in unfavorable moments or defective hard disk controllers can damage even the SSD hard drives protected against errors of the read/write head. The remedy for companies is the purchase of UPSs and a placement of the drives in a secure room. In addition, it goes without saying that powered-up hard drives should only be moved cautiously.
More than 25%: Operator error
Accidental deletion of important data or even dropping a hard drive is responsible for more than a quarter of data losses. Data can suddenly no longer be read or written, and the unstoppable end of the hard drive is imminent. In general, therefore, it is not advisable to perform actions on the computer that the user does not know much about. Also, computer hardware should always be handled with a lot of care – So, haste when handling hard disks is a bad advisor.
More than 5%: Software bugs
With supposed tools for repair, the user can often do more damage than fix errors. Applications no longer work at all or important data can no longer be read. The main thing that helps against this is a regular backup of all important data and a renunciation of tools whose procedure is not transparent. If in doubt, do not run the program.
Less than 5%: Malware
The computer can no longer be started or it executes commands in an inexplicable way, while a lot of data has disappeared for no reason: This can often be viruses, worms and Trojans. The countermeasures are fortunately very obvious: Antivirus programs up to date help against most threats.
Also, never run files of any kind if the origin is unknown – this also applies to supposedly harmless text documents.
Less than 5%: Force Majeure
Against fire, water or other forces of nature no careful handling of the hardware and no protection program will help. Data can then often no longer be completely rescued, so that preventive measures are all the more important. Backup copies of all important data must be created regularly. Afterwards, they should be stored in a place that is protected from the described phenomena – flood-proof basements, for example, can be just right.
Conclusion
No business or individual can afford not to back up their valuable, proprietary data. Langmeier Backup helps you do just that by making data backup a breeze. Try it for free for 30 days!
About the Author Alexander Vogt 1st and 2nd level support
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Data loss is expensive and hurts
