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Understanding
Data Loss
Computer
users and many experts often consider lost data permanently destroyed,
with no hope of recovery. And because much of the information about
data loss is inconsistent or inaccurate, it's not surprising
that data loss and data recovery are some of the most confusing and
misunderstood concepts users face.
At Ontrack, we take the
mystery out of data loss. Ontrack findings indicate that data is recoverable
the majority of the time. So never assume your valuable data can't
be recovered. Always check with a qualified data recovery expert.
(Click on the cause of
data loss to see a listing of possible symptoms, examples and ways
you can protect your data)
Despite technological advances
in the reliability of magnetic storage media, data loss continues
to rise, making data recovery more important than ever. Ontrack 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. A graduate school
thesis. Personal finance and tax information. 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)
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| 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
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| Examples |
- Electrical
failure
- Head/media
crash
- Controller
failure
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| Preventive
Measures |
- Protect
electrical components by using computers in a dry, shaded,
dust-free area
- Protect
against power surges with an uninterruptable power supply
(UPS)
- Do not
shake or remove the covers on hard drives or tapes.
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Human
Error (32 percent of all data loss)
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| Possible
Symptoms |
- Previously
accessible data suddenly gone
- Message
similar to "File Not Found"
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| Examples |
- Accidental
deletion or drive format
- Trauma
caused by drop or fall
|
| Preventive
Measures |
- Never
attempt any operation, like installations or repairs, with
which you don't have experience
- Avoid
moving your computer, especially when it's in operation
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Software
Corruption (14 percent of all data loss)
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| Possible
Symptoms |
- System
messages relating to memory errors
- Software
application won't load
- Error
message stating data is corrupted or inaccessible
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| Examples |
- Corruption
caused by diagnostic or repair tools
- Failed
backups
- Configuration
complexity
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| Preventive
Measures |
- Back
up data regularly
- Use diagnostic
utilities with caution
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Computer
Viruses (7 percent of all data loss)
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| Possible
Symptoms |
- Blank
screen
- Strange
and unpredictable behavior
- Error
message stating
- "File
Not Found" Message announcing virus appears on screen
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| Examples |
- Boot
sector viruses
- File
infecting viruses
- Polymorphic
viruses
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| Preventive
Measures |
- Use a
good anti-virus package
- Obtain
software from reputable sources
- Scan
all incoming data, including packaged software, for viruses
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Natural
Disasters (3 percent of all data loss)
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| Possible
Symptoms |
- While
floods and earthquakes have obvious symptoms, brownouts and
lightning strikes often leave no clues
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| Examples |
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| Preventive
Measures |
- Store
tested backups in an off-site location
- Install
a UPS
- Don't
store critical data in a flood plain
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Top
10 Data Protection Tips
1.) Back up data and
test restore capabilities on a regular basis. Verify that the correct
data has been backed up.
2.) Keep your computer
in a dry, controlled environment that is clean and dust-free. Set
up your computer in an area with very little traffic to ensure that
it does not get bumped.
3.) Only entrust your
data to someone who has the training and expertise to properly maintain
and repair it.
4.) Use diagnostic
and repair utilities with caution. Never use file recovery software
if you suspect an electrical or mechanical drive failure.
5.) Use anti-virus
software and update it at least four times per year.
6.) Check all incoming
diskettes for viruses. This includes packaged software, software carried
on-site by users and software downloaded via modem, bulletin board
services or the Internet.
7.) Never attempt
to operate a visibly damaged hard drive. Do not use any storage device
that has been exposed to heat, moisture or soot.
8.) Do not shake or
remove the covers on hard drives or tapes.
9.) Use a UPS (Uninterruptible
Power Supply) for proper power protection.
10.) Immediately turn
off your computer if it begins making an unusual noise. Further operation
may damage it beyond repair
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