What is Data Loss?
Data loss simply refers to deleted or corrupted files. It becomes difficult for you to open or access data. Things that may cause data loss include human interference, an error with the software, or hardware malfunction.
Whatever the case, this loss doesn’t mean all is lost. With proper tools at your disposal, you can recover your data.
How do you prevent data loss?
The best thing to do is to have a plan. You know there is a chance a loss may happen. How well are you prepared? Don’t let data loss get you off guard. Consider following the following strategies.
1 – Regular backups
One of the easiest ways of data loss prevention is regularly backing up your files. If you are in the possession of vital files, be it business emails, word documents, spreadsheets, or other types of files, consider backing them up regularly. In the event of a problem, you’ll be able to secure data up to the last point it was backed up. This is much better than not having anything at all. Strategize a plan that will see you back up your files periodically and do it properly.
2 – Create Variety of Backups
Generally you will require 2 or 3 data backup systems. If possible, have them in different formats, maybe a hard drive and cloud. Another backup should be offsite, away from the office in case of a problem that may cause damage in your place of work such as fire, flood or theft.
3 – Update your systems
Another important step is to patch and update your systems. Patching is a data loss prevention policy associated with ensuring the security of all your systems. It doesn’t matter if you are a small business or a big company. Patching will come in handy in situations where there is a risk of data leaks. Secondly, keeping your systems up-to-date all the time will help you save the budget you will invest in recovering data avoiding money you might have to invest in order to recover your data.
4 – Get a Recovery Data Program
Do you know that there are data recovery tools available online? These tools are designed purposely for specific data recovery processes and sometimes can be free to use. Most can be downloaded and install on your computer but some highly specialist software tools need their own boot media. A good quality, reputable tool that is designed for data recovery can save your essential data from corrupted or even failed hard drives.
5 – Use Encryption
If you have some sensitive files that you wish to keep private, it’s advisable to encrypt them. Use a backup system that encrypts your private files so that if they fall in the wrong hands; for example if your laptop is stolen, you are still safe.
As seen from the above, data loss prevention is the key to ensuring the smooth running of businesses. The methods are simple and sometimes you don’t have to invest a lot of money for data loss prevention. As long as you put in place a great strategy, your files will always be safe.
Data backup is essential for all businesses and needs to be done before disaster can strike for peace of mind and business security.