Millions of small and upcoming companies do not recover from a significant data loss incident. As a startup business, you must ensure a secure data system for business continuity. Enforcing the most effective data loss strategies can help your business to bounce back in case of a serious loss incident.
Here we explain some of the six main causes of data loss in businesses that you should beware of if you intend to protect your business. Continue reading to determine what may cause severe loss of information in your business and take the right preventive measures.
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1. Computer malware
source:smartdatacollective.com
When a malware or virus attacks your computer, it could result in data loss. In that case, you can consult iBoysoft data recovery experts to recover deleted or lost data.
Computer viruses and malware are types of malicious software sent by hackers and trackers to your computer to steal your private information. They often cause abnormalities in your computer system. A malware can replicate to all the machines in your business, and before you know it, your entire database is down completely.
The only way to keep malware and viruses from attacking your computer is by installing a quality firewall or antivirus in your computers. Run a regular computer security audit and scanning for malicious software. Also, ensure you are more careful with the sites you visit and links you click.
You can install a VPN on your computer to secure your connection and signal you when you are about to click on an insecure site. Install the latest cybersecurity software in your system to keep your computer safe from viruses.
2. Hard drive damage and malfunctions
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Hard drive malfunction or damage is the leading cause of data loss. Your computer hard drive comes with small, fragile parts that can loosen easily when your laptop falls. Mechanical damage to the hard drive can cost you a lot.
Although there is a solution to obtaining lost information on your hard drive, it may dig up to $1,000 from your business, and as a startup, you may not be financially healthy to pay for that.
If you want to avoid hefty data loss when your computer hard drive becomes faulty, you should back up your data in a separate hard drive. Having regular backups can help secure your information and keep you on your feet if your computer breaks down.
3. Power failure
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Imagine you are in your last line writing an article that has taken you a whole month researching, and suddenly the lights go off before you hit the save button. What! You’ve just lost all that information. This is one good example of how power outage can result in data loss.
You can also lose data when you don’t follow the right procedure to shut down your computer. Your computer may stop rebooting its operation system if you shut it down the wrong way. Additionally, a sudden change in power voltage can cause a lot of harm to your computer.
Power outage is a common issue in most facilities and businesses, especially if you rely on an external grid. Have an automatic power backup in your business premise to ensure a steady power supply. You can also install a volt-guard to protect your computer in case of a sudden change in voltage, lightning, or other types of power interruptions.
4. Computer theft
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This is the worst that can happen to your business because it means you have zero chances of recovering your data physically. It is a tragedy to lose your computer and data at a go. It happens when you don’t beef up security on your business premises to keep burglars at bay, or you leave your computer unattended when traveling.
Losing your computer may not be that painful if you can recover the lost data. The safest way to store your data safely even when your laptop goes missing is to back up all your information in the cloud or external drive.
5. Human error
source:smallbusiness.co.uk
A significant data loss in the business will result from human error brought by outright negligence and carelessness. Sometimes you may have a staff in your organization with no proper IT skills to keep your business data safe. The loss can also result from typos, accidental deletions, and unplanned disk reformatting.
In most cases, people delete their valuable data from the hard drive without knowing. Sometimes it happens without knowing until you realize that you need some files, but you cannot trace them on the computer. Intentional deletion of data occurs when you think the inforamtion is less valuable and not worth staying in the recycle bin only to realize that it was as good as the next project in line.
Improper handling of computers and other devices can result in physical damages and eventually loss of data in your organization. When this loss happens due to human error, the best you can do is restore your files from the cloud backup. Unfortunately, most small businesses do not sign for data recovery solutions until it’s late.
6. Acts of nature
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Natural disasters such as earthquakes, thunderstorms, and floods, can damage your computer and sweep away your entire business premise. When a natural disaster happens, there is nothing you can do to recover your data if you did not back up the files in a remote server somewhere far from your location.
You cannot avoid natural disasters, but you can keep your data secure by backing up all your files regularly.
Final thoughts
When you accidentally format your computer hard drive or damage your computer hardware, your business can lose vital data.
It is critical to back up your files from a separate server or drive safely in severe data loss. Keep your eyes open on the six data loss causes we have shared here to prevent loss in your business.
