The ubiquitous nature of modern data storage has led to a world where virtually everyone stores their information on digital devices. This heavy reliance on digital storage has led to an increase in data loss, and due to mankind’s growing dependence on these devices, the consequences of losing valuable, and especially classified data can have serious and far reaching consequences. You can click here to learn about data recovery from an SD card. And, if you store data, especially which is sensitive, below are the top ten things to watch for:
1. Accidental Deletion by the User
This is a scenario where you can become your own worst enemy. If you own a digital device, whether it is a laptop, cell phone or tablet PC, you delete files regularly, and this means there is an increased chance of accidentally deleting something important.
2. Viruses and Malware
New viruses and malware are being created somewhere in the world every single day. As you go about your day using your digital device, there are nefarious individuals out there devising ways to access and steal it. There are too many types of viruses and malware to name, but they are a natural and inevitable consequence of a global network.
3. Hard Drive Failure
A computer’s hard drive is one of its most sensitive and vulnerable areas, and they are more likely to become damaged than any other component. The reason for this is simply because hard drives are comprised of many moving parts. There are few ways to recover data from a damaged drive, and the methods that exist are extremely expensive.
4. Power Outages
Power outages cause multiple problems, and are a daily occurrence in many developing nations. Not only can these outages cause you to lose data, they can damage your computer or other digital devices.
5. Theft
The only thing worse than losing your data is losing the computer or device that the data is stored on. Cell phones, laptops, digital cameras and tablet PCs can easily be hidden within a thief’s pocket or under their jacket, and in a crowded place like an airport, they can disappear into the crowd before you realize your stuff is gone.
6. Spilling Liquids on Your Device
Clumsiness can lead to a lot of headaches, many of which can be avoided. A number of “liquid proof” electronics are in development, but most devices today which are exposed to water or other liquids will be immediately and possibly permanently damaged.
7. Fire and Other Natural Disasters
If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes or flash floods, your data is at risk should it be exposed to these elements.
8. Corrupt Software
Software is designed by imperfect humans so bugs and other problems are inevitable. Anyone who uses software has experienced crashes, and these crashes will often happen at the worst possible times.
9. Errors in Logic
Computer files can become corrupted, and this may be due to improper entries, or other software issues. Logic errors can be extremely challenging to fix, especially for those who are not technically oriented.
10. Firmware Problems
Firmware is essentially the code which controls your hard drive. It is responsible for managing configurations and connecting the hard drive to other system components. If the firmware becomes damaged, the OS will be unable to access the drive.
Murphy’s Law ensures that there is no limit to the many ways in which you can lose your data and the chance of data loss is directly proportional to how valuable that data is. Therefore, your best weapon is constant vigilance and common sense.
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