Top 10 Ways an Organization Can Lose Their Data
A Ontrack survey revealed 40 percent of the 2,000 global respondents believe human error is the leading cause of data loss. That survey, which questioned IT personnel about techniques that they employ to preserve their data, ultimately showed while the majority of respondents knew what not to do when it comes to data loss prevention, many were unaware of actions that they are taking now that can lead to data disasters. We take a look at the top 10 ways an organization can lose data.
With this in mind, Ontrack recently took a different approach to data-loss prevention consulting, and developed a complication of videos that companies should abide by to lose their data, guaranteed.
Top 10 Ways an Organization Can Lose Their Data
Don’t take your backup requirements seriously
Large volumes of data present a challenge for backup procedures, and restoring this information can take days. Not matching the file backups with the hardware specifications hinders performance and growth capability, making data loss more likely.
Don’t waste your cash on training
Investing all of your backup funds in personal training can take away the necessary funds for other, more reliable backup strategies. Archiving technologies and services allow content management, preservation and recovery to be easy and allows for saving money.
It doesn’t matter where you archive your tapes
While tapes may seem indestructible, they are highly susceptible damage from natural elements. Users should keep backup tapes stored in a stable environment, without extreme temperatures, humidity or electromagnetism. Also, storing tapes offsite will ensure the preservation of files if the site experiences a fire, flood or other disaster. Users should also consider uploading data to the cloud, which can protect data from natural disasters.
You don’t need much experience
While some users may think they can easily store and backup their data, they might not know the most efficient and cost-effective solutions available to keep relevant data, and comply with backup and storage requirements. Experts and consultants from third party companies have experience in keeping up with document retention policies and best practices, and can install solutions and provide services with a minimal impact on resources.
Have multiple backup experts in place
Sometimes, having more than one data backup expert can cause conflicting opinions and contradictions. Users should stick with one expert, who understands the type of data and backup software they are working with, and also the customer’s needs. They can work closely with the user to make sure they understand how their backup solutions work and how to access relevant data.
Replace your backup software frequently
Backup tapes have a design for use from 5,000 to 500,000 times, depending on the type of tape. By frequently replacing backups, users increase their chances of losing data in the process due to the inability to read data with a new application or server.
Unintentionally format your tapes
Information that may need to be accessed must be transferred to modern media formats in order to be compliant with current legislation and recoverable in the event of data loss. Maintaining up-to-date records and data on modern media formats makes future extractions quick and painless. Furthermore, storage costs will decrease and the organization will be better aligned with compliance regulations.
Don’t ensure you’re backed up data
The cost of a data loss often outweighs the cost of the data backup software and services. It is important for businesses know the financial impact that days or even hours of downtime can have in the event of a data loss. Spending money upfront on reliable software help businesses save money in the long run by protecting their valuable information.
Don’t keep up to date with technological advances
As technology constantly changes, many businesses could find that when in need of a data recovery, their data is not retrievable because it is stored on old tape formats. Furthermore, data compliance regulations require businesses to retain data for many years, often longer than the availability of the technology used to store it.
Let your coworker help overcome your data loss
Data loss experts have experiences with all causes of data loss, from simple to the most complex and catastrophic data loss situations, including human error, viruses, natural disasters, accidental deletion, system crashes, corruption, hardware failure and more. They are well-equipped to respond to any situation, and can prevent the loss from escalating. Protecting an organization’s electronically stored information is one of the most important steps they can take to avoid the crippling effects of a data disaster. While many organizations are protecting their ESI by knowing what not to do, it’s important for them to know different actions that will lead to data loss, guaranteed. Knowing different sure-fire ways to lose their data will allow them to prepare for these mistakes before they happen and ensure that a data disaster will not result in crippling effects.