4 Most Common Causes of Data Loss

Losing your precious data is one of the worst situations that can bring you to tears. Data loss is the worst nightmare of professionals and home users as it suddenly brings our lives to a halt. Many data storage devices are available these days, but the frequency of data loss incidents is still on the rise. Our data is stored on numerous devices such as computer hard disks or any removable storage media.

Sometimes, due to our mistakes or some mechanical fault, all our valuable files and sensitive data vanish in thehe blink of an eye. If you don’t have a backup, this can be a dire situation because, often, there’s no way to bring back your lost data. In such an aggravating situation, your only option is to seek a data recovery engineer’s services to recover your lost data.

Various factors lead to the inaccessibility of your essential data. However, with the proper precautions, it can be avoided or prevented. So, to avoid such problematic situations, it makes sense to know all the possible reasons that cause data loss. Here are the leading causes of data loss and what you can do to protect your data.

1. Human Error

Users often unintentionally delete files and important folders, resulting in permanent data loss. It is easy to restore files from the recycle bin, but if, in the worst case, you deleted the file by pressing Shift+Del, it’s impossible to get it back. It’s best to save your work and maintain backups regularly and properly to avoid such a frustrating situation. In addition to this, improper handling of storage devices damages the system and results in data loss. Nowadays, most people use laptops to get damaged due to spilling drinks or dropping them down easily. Physical damages may cause a short circuit of important electronic components and damage your data permanently.

4 Most Common Causes of Data Loss 1

2. Viruses and Malware

These days, businesses, as well as individuals, are at a higher risk of virus attacks. Hackers and cybercriminals attack computers daily, affecting operational software and damaging stored data. Most viruses come from third-party application links or external devices like an external hard disk or memory card. Hackers are mostly targeted to steal and damage business data, so ensure your data is protected using an updated version of commercial anti-virus software. Moreover, always maintain regular backups of your data in multiple locations.

3. Hard Drive Failure

The biggest cause of data loss is hardware or system malfunctions. A hard drive that stores your data is the most fragile part of computers. Hard drives have a specific lifespan, but often, they get damaged earlier due to mechanical issues, human mishandling, overheating, sudden power failure, or liquid damage. If your hard drive fails catastrophically, you’ll need an IT professional’s help to regain your lost data. However, it’s best to provide proper working conditions to your hard drive and keep a backup on the Cloud.

4. Power Failures

Power failure can negatively impact your data in many ways. Sudden power failure or voltage fluctuations may damage your computer system and your data. A sudden power surge harms your hard drive, which stores your data. If you don’t have a power backup, a premature power failure means all your work that is not saved is gone forever. And, if you shut down your computer suddenly without following the proper procedures, it may also cause problems with rebooting the operating system later. As a result, you might lose your data. So, to avoid these issues, ensure you have a power supply unit and voltage neutralizer.