Leading causes of data loss
Trends in increasing data loss
Despite technological advances in the reliability of magnetic storage media, data loss continues to rise, making data recovery more important than ever. On track engineers have identified three trends that are leading to this increase in lost data.
More data is being stored in smaller spaces. Today's hard drives store 500 times the data stored on the drives of a decade ago. Increasing storage capacities amplify the impact of data loss, making mechanical precision more critical.
Data has become more mission-critical. Hospital patient records, graduate school thesis, personal finance and tax information, and Payroll records. Users today are storing more information electronically than ever. The loss of mission critical data can have staggering financial, legal and productivity ramifications on businesses and home users alike.
Backup tools and techniques are not 100% reliable. Most computer users rely on backups as their safety net in the event of data loss (a recommended practice). Ontrack research indicates that 80 percent of its data loss customers regularly back up their data, only to find them less than adequate at the critical moment they need to restore them. Backups assume that hardware and storage media are in working order; that the data is not corrupted, and that your backup is recent enough to provide full recovery. In reality, hardware and software do fail and backups don't always contain current enough data.
Leading Causes of Data Loss
Hardware or System Malfunctions (44 percent of all data loss)
Possible Symptoms
- Error message stating the device is not recognized
- Previously accessible data suddenly gone
- Scraping or rattling sound
- Hard drive not spinning
- Computer hard drive doesn't function
Examples
- Electrical failure
- Head/media crash
- Controller failure
Preventive
- Protect electrical components by using computers in a dry, shaded, dust-free areaProtect electrical components by using computers in a dry, shaded, dust-free area
Measures
- Protect against power surges with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Do not shake or remove the covers on hard drives or tapes.
Human Error (32 percent of all data loss)
Possible Symptoms
- Previously accessible data suddenly gone
- Message similar to "File Not Found"
Examples
- Accidental deletion or drive format
- Trauma caused by drop or fall
Preventive
- Never attempt any operation, like installations or repairs, with which you don't have experience
Measures
- Avoid moving your computer, especially when it's in operation
Software Corruption (14 percent of all data loss)
Possible Symptoms
- System messages relating to memory errors
- Software application won't load
- Error message stating data is corrupted or inaccessible
Examples
- Corruption caused by diagnostic or repair tools
- Failed backups
- Configuration complexity
Preventive
- Back up data regularly
Measures
- Use diagnostic utilities with caution
Computer Viruses (7 percent of all data loss)
Possible Symptoms
- Blank screen
- Strange and unpredictable behavior
- Error message stating
- "File Not Found" Message announcing virus appears on screen
Examples
- Boot sector viruses
- File infecting viruses
- Polymorphic viruses
Preventive
- Use a good anti-virus package
Measures
- Obtain software from reputable sources
- Scan all incoming data, including packaged software, for viruses
Natural Disasters (3 percent of all data loss)
Possible Symptoms
- While floods and earthquakes have obvious symptoms, brownouts and lightning strikes often leave no clues
Examples
- Fires
- Floods
- Brownouts
Preventive
- Store tested backups in an off-site location
Measures
- Install a UPS
- Don't store critical data in a flood plain
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