5 Common Scenarios that Lead to Data Loss

By Matt Brennan

We all depend on our computer and the data that it holds to the extent where we take it for granted. We tend to assume that the information we collect, that helps us with day-to-day business activities, will always be there. But data loss is more common than we realize, and for those of us who run businesses, this can be a significant problem.

Below are five common scenarios that can lead to data loss. You can minimize their impact by creating data backups on a regular basis. If the hardware is old or the data isn’t critical to your operation, you can try to run recovery software in an attempt to access your data. But that path comes fraught with risk. If the data is valuable and the loss is significant, you’ll have more success by talking with a data recovery company.

Common Ways Data Loss Occurs

Accidental Deletion

We all want a clean working environment, and that desire may carry over to our desktop screens and file storage. Sometimes we might get a little carried away and delete a file that we needed while we’re attempting to declutter and clean up.

If we don’t have a backup, and we delete the wrong file, that scenario can present a real problem. Accidental deletion is frustrating, but it does happen.

Viruses or Malware

As businesses and organizations gather larger amounts of data, hackers find new ways to attack that data every day. The more valuable it is to you, the more potential value it might have in the wrong hands.

The damages can vary greatly depending on the virus, but when hackers go after business data the threat can be serious. If there is serious monetary value attached to the data that you hold, the threat of viruses or malware needs to be taken seriously.

Smartphone Device Corruption

We’ve come to depend greatly on the computers in our pockets, but they are susceptible to risk, as well. Photos, music, and other files kept on smart phones can be lost or damaged. There may be deletions, formatting problems, or hardware crashes. Any time your phone is dropped or submerged in water, your data is at risk.

The good news is that file recovery programs can work on your phone as well. But for the highest success rates, you’ll want to contact a data recovery specialist.

Physical Damage to the Computer

If the computer fell or was hit by something, or it is otherwise physically damaged, you run the risk of data loss. If that physical damage extends to the hard drive, that can likely impact the ability to call up certain files. In other words, your data is likely damaged, too. If the computer powers up, you might be able to run some data recovery programs on it and see what happens.

Power Failure

Power failures carry risk on multiple levels. First, there is the risk that anything you might be working on at the moment is lost or damaged. Second, a change in voltage can damage any number of computer parts and cause lasting damage. Creating regular backups can help reduce the risk of data loss in the event of a power failure.