Data loss can occur on any device that stores data. Although any loss of data, even a simple misplacement, is by definition technically a loss, what we are primarily concerned with is the permanent loss of data that is important to your personal or business ongoing success. In most data loss scenarios data loss occurs after: human error (including but not limited to accidental or unknowing data deletion, modification, overwrite), various file corruption, hardware failure, site-related actions such as theft, fire, flood, earthquake, lightning, etc.
How to Prevent Data Loss
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Drive Backup
Backing up your data is one of the simplest ways to prevent data loss. One great option for this is backing up important files on a external drive. That way if something goes wrong on your computer, you’ll have an external device with all of your important data backed up and ready to be put back on your computer once the issue is resolved.
Cloud Storage
One of the reasons cloud storage has been quickly gaining popularity over the past few years is because it’s a way to store data in an entirely separate location; a place that won’t be touched by a corrupted hard drive, malfunctioning flash drive, warped memory card, or broken device. It’s the reason so many cell phone providers and computer companies offer some version of cloud storage with their devices. Cloud storage is one of the best ways to protect yourself from lost data. The question a lot of people have is: How secure is my information when it’s stored in cloud storage? When you use cloud storage you are, essentially, entrusting your information to another entity, which can be unnerving for some people. Most versions of cloud storage use encryption, this means they use a complex algorithm to encode the information they store. Encryption makes it less likely hackers or the like will be able to gain access to your information. Another way cloud storage helps protect your information is by making your particular stored data password and username protected, meaning you have to create an account and sign in in order to store and access data.
When Backup Methods Fail
No matter how prepared you are or how diligently you backup your data, there’s still the possibility of backup methods failing. External storage devices like flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and memory cards can become damaged or corrupt. If you find yourself in this situation there are tools that can help you recover data from these devices. Software like Unstoppable Copier and Zero Assumption Recovery can assist you in recovering data from a corrupt or damaged storage device.
Recovering Deleted Files
Remember that most deleted files are still recoverable as long as they haven’t been shredded or permanently deleted with a secure data deletion tool. Even files that have been emptied from the recycle bin or bypassed the recycle bin altogether can usually still be recovered after the fact. This is because until the file is actually written over with entirely new data, the majority of the file remains intact.