Data security is an emerging need among SMBs and large organizations due to data loss. A well known survey revealed that nearly 78% businesses shut down due to data loss in 2 years. Your organization should in advance make preparation of data loss prevention strategy.
Most organizations fumble with the concept of data loss. The prospect of data loss can be frightening. Statistics reveal that 78% of organizations, which experienced any significant data loss, shut down within 24 months. Data losses are in fact more common than you think. 6% of all PC’s suffer data loss in a year. Your organization needs to be prepared for data loss. What you should do when it happens?
The Major Causes of Data Loss
As per small business trends report, every week 140000 hard drives crashed in the USA only. Data loss can happen due to many reasons, and you need to ensure that the threat can be prevented.
A good way to do this is to understand why it happens at first.
Deleting Data Accidentally or User Error
What’s the problem? This is one of the most common causes of data loss. Fortunately, there is often a way out if you’ve accidentally deleted something you shouldn’t have.
What you need to do? If you notice that you’ve deleted an important file instantly, you can retrieve it from the Recycle Bin. If you notice the event months after it has happened, you may not be so lucky. It’s important to be alert when deleting files. Make backups regularly to diminish the chances of data loss.
Problems from Power
What’s the problem? Fluctuations in voltage or absence of power leading to shutting down of the system can result in weird problems. You can lose access to the data that you’re working on and worse, can even lose access to the operating system at times.
What you need to do? Invest in a good power backup plan so that you can shut down all the systems correctly. Do not let the systems shut down abruptly as it can cause data loss easily. Invest in a voltage stabilizer as voltage fluctuations can damage the systems. Also, keep automatic system backup perform daily to prevent any extensive damage.
Hard Drive Failures and Corrupted files
What’s the problem? You may not want it but your PC can give up anytime. Reports suggest that 31% of PC users have had experienced of sudden data loss, erasing data in the hard drive in its entirety. Hard drive failures can happen because of misuse and mechanical failures. Corrupted files are another problem – you try to access a file and find it corrupted.
What you need to do? The best way to get around such problems is to take regular backups of your data. Organizations can store their data over the cloud as well on the IT infrastructure built in their premises. If you do not backup, there are services that can recover the data from your hard drive but it can be expensive at times.
Computer Viruses
What’s the problem? Viruses can be nasty and you may not be able to save your data – if you let them enter in your system.
What do you need to do? A good antivirus system is an essential but it’s not the only thing. As an organization, remember to invest heavily in infrastructural security to detect real time threats and effectively obliterate any attacks.
Deleting Hardware data or software crashing
What is the problem? It requires only a few clicks to format your hard disk. Have a hard day at the office and you may not notice when you accidentally push hard drive format button. In addition, you may face sudden software crashing.
What you need to do? The best way is to call an expert if you’ve accidentally formatted your hard disk. You can retrieve the data deleted with the help of an expert, but only if you have not overwritten the disk. Software crashes can happen because of a number of reasons, starting from incompatible systems to coding errors. Software or IT expert can help you here.
Hackers and Nature
What is the problem? Hacking is a problem that every organization has to deal with differently every time. An earthquake or cyclone, nature’s fury at its best, can destroy your entire IT infrastructure, making you lose all your data. In fact, statistics state that nearly 305 businesses, which faced a fire accident, quit business within a year.
What you need to do? Remember to have a firewall installed to block hackers. Invest in quality IT infrastructure to increase security. Ensure that you also look at cloud for storing important data. This ensures that you can save your data even when a catastrophe strikes.
Computer theft
What is the problem? Much as we do not want it, your computer may be stolen. In fact, Gartner reports that one laptop is stolen every 53 seconds. The theft can mean that you’d be losing out on all your important data.
What you need to do? Do not keep your laptop or computer unattended. Invest in good encryption technology so nobody can decipher the data you have on it. Full disk encryption will help you protect yourself and your business from a data breach. Do not forget to have a proper backup in place.
In the end, some of the best ways to prevent data loss are to take care of your device.
- For one, clean your computer daily and keep it dust-free.
- Do not forget to save backups of your data – the cloud offers a great option.
- Do not open suspicious emails or links as they can contain malware, which may result in data loss.
- Update your antivirus and be careful when deleting files.
Conclusion:
A person that can take care of your PC is You. Therefore, it is important to take precautions and not panic and look for a solution. In case when it is out of control, you can take the assistance of an expert to resolve the malfunction. In this regard, the above prevention tips will help you to make your PC secure and safe.
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