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There are countless ways to lose crucial data but human errors are among the most common cause of data loss after hardware & software failures. In addition, virus, cyber-attacks, malware, malicious attacks, sudden power failure or surge, and natural disasters such as earthquake, fire, flood, etc. can cause major system failure and data loss.
A study at the Disaster Recovery Institute International estimates that around 90% of firms that met with catastrophic data loss situation were out of the business within three years. Therefore, you should be prepared for the worst and unexpected when it comes to data security.
Why Prepare For Emergencies?
Creating disaster recovery strategy is crucial not just for the businesses but also for individuals. However, most individuals and companies have inadequate practices and backup technology. Most importantly, data backups are often given a low priority by a number of small companies and individuals. Most people realize the importance of backup only after the worst has happened.
Hard drives are used to store data on systems and for backup solutions. However, these hard drives could fail or get damaged (logically or physically) at any point in time without any warnings due to various factors (such as bad sectors, file system damage, corrupt file, head crash, etc.).
Here are some tips that can help you prevent data loss and all the trouble that comes bundled with it.
1. Implement Multiple Backups
During the crisis, it becomes difficult to function normally. Therefore, it is important to plan data backups before a data disaster strikes. You can implement 3-2-1 backup rule to ensure your data security. The 3-2-1 backup rule states:
- Make 3 copies of your important data.
- Use 2 different types of media (hard drive, SSD, Thumb drive, DVD, or Blu-Ray disc).
- Store 1 of 3 backups at a different location (offsite).
You can use compression to reduce the size of the backup files. Files such as spreadsheets, word, PDFs can be squeezed down to a very small size. You can automate these scheduled backups or let everyone know where to copy their important files and when (hourly, weekly, or monthly).
2. Use a Data Recovery Software
Sometimes, even after much planning and strategy, the unexpected happens. Your backup may fail or the system or backup drives can go corrupt, get damaged (physically or logically) or become inaccessible. In such a scenario, you need a specialized data recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows. The software can help you salvage your crucial data from damaged and encrypted hard drives.
Video Tutorial: Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows
In case of physical damage by fire, flood, or when hard disk crash, you can avail data recovery services from Stellar Data Recovery that can help you restore your crucial data. Recovery from such drive is performed in a controlled environment available in a class 100 clean room.
3. Test Backups
This is the most critical part of data disaster recovery. You should regularly verify your backups. Backups are not about keeping copies of your data, it is about you being able to restore data when the situation demands. Therefore, it is important to test your backup strategy or solution to determine if it can provide easy recovery and help you recover all lost data quickly and without corruption.
Moreover, testing unveils many new things that can help you reduce the backup and storage cost. It also lets you discover the problems with the software or hardware that can interrupt the recovery process. Assuming backups are going to work when needed can lead to a permanent data loss situation. Therefore, you must test your backups regularly, for e.g. monthly or quarterly.
4. Keep your System updated
Keeping your system up to date with the latest software updates is the most important aspect of safeguarding your system and data. Updates bring new security patches against various online and offline threats. Therefore, avoid postponing update installations and frequently check for released updates. You must install the updates as soon as they become available to prevent data loss due to outdated device drivers or hack attempts on your system.
Updates also fix many existing bugs and brings new features that make the system more stable.
5. Hardware Protection
Protecting hardware is also very important in order to avoid data loss. Keep your backup hard drives at a safe place and use silica gel or something similar to avoid moisture getting into your backup drive(s) as it can damage the internal components of the hard drive and lead to data loss. The hardware or backup system should be stored under a controlled temperature.
In addition, at workplaces implement access and monitoring systems such as security cameras and secured entry with access control systems to deter thefts and unauthorized access to the systems physical components and hardware.
6. Use Antivirus & Anti-Malware Protection
Antivirus and Anti-malware software are the most important pillars of your system monitoring and protection. The software protects and monitor your system from various online attacks and helps safeguard your system by filtering the traffic against threats such as Trojans, rootkit, key loggers, botnets, etc.
In addition, anti-malware provides a strong protection against the ransomware which otherwise can encrypt and destroy your data permanently.
Conclusion
Protection of data is important for an organization & individual. It is the most valuable asset for any organization. Likewise, individuals who store their precious memories in the form of photos and videos in their smartphones and PC that cannot be relived again. Therefore, you must be prepared for the worst and unexpected when it comes to your data security.
Many factors can lead to permanent data loss as we discussed in this post. Therefore, a proper backup strategy and planning should be implemented to avoid a permanent data loss situation. When backup fails or system and backup drives goes corrupt or inaccessible, you have the option to use a Professional Data Recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional for Windows that helps you recover data from a corrupt or inaccessible hard drive and deleted or encrypted partitions.
