Understanding Data Loss

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Understanding Data Loss

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.

(These statistics represent what our data recovery customers list as the cause of their data loss. Click on the individual cause of data loss listings to see possible symptoms, examples and ways you can protect your data.)

Hardware or System Malfunction	78 percent
Human Error	11 percent
Software Corruption or Program Malfunction	7 percent
Computer Viruses	2 percent
Natural Disasters	1 percent
Other	1 percent

Despite technological advances in the reliability of magnetic storage media, data loss continues to rise, making data recovery more important than ever. Data Recovery 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). Data Recovery 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 (78 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 Measures	Protect electrical components by using computers in a dry, shaded, dust-free area Protect against power surges with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) Do not shake or remove the covers on hard drives or tapes.
Human Error (11 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 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
Software Corruption (7 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 Measures	Back up data regularly Use diagnostic utilities with caution
Computer Viruses (2 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 Measures	Use a good anti-virus package Obtain software from reputable sources Scan all incoming data, including packaged software, for viruses
Natural Disasters (1 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 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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