Data loss has never been a more serious issue than it is today, and because of that there has never been more people looking for data recovery solutions. But what if the loss was preventable? Thankfully, there are many ways a person can prevent data loss in their personal and business systems. Here are four ways to help prevent data loss today.
Back-Up Data: Keeping consistent, secure back-ups of data is always the first and most widely overlooked step for keeping data loss from happening. Nothing can be lost if it’s all securely stored on a secondary drive in a dry, stable location that’s easily accessible. For professional purposes perhaps, a RAID or NAS System might be the best call, which is an intricate hard-drive network. Whenever deciding on a back-up drive, consider using a Solid-State Drive (SSD) if a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is the primary.
Keep it Safe: One-way data loss can happen is physical failure of a computer or drive. It’s important to remember that these machines, though stable, are not indestructible. Place the device or drive in climate controlled, dry, stable places where it’s not at risk of severe damage. Try not to operate any device like a computer or hard drive while in motion. Moving, jostling, or shaking devices that are turned on is dangerous for the delicate inner workings and could cause memory loss. Also, use a surge protector to make sure nothing gets damaged electronically by shorts, outages, or surges.
Digital Security: Data loss can even come from people acting maliciously. Using malware, phishing, and other techniques, someone could potentially gain access to a system and its data with relative ease. Installing anti-virus software is a must for computing today, but there is more that can be done. Encrypting data, opting for 2-step verification on personal accounts, Virtual Private Networks, and regular password updates can all help make sure that data is protected and safe from the digital threats of modern computing.
Maintenance: The final tip is the least exciting but the most important. Doing all of the above is great but only truly works if kept up. Back-up data at regular intervals, check the integrity of the drive, and replace back-up drives over time. It’s also important to make sure the device itself doesn’t have any frayed wires, isn’t plugged into bad outlets, or is otherwise operationally sound. Finally, regularly have anti-virus software regularly sweep the system and maybe once a quarter change passwords on active accounts.
If after all of this data loss still happens then a data recovery expert will be required. So, if you or anyone you know needs data recovery or hard drive repair, come and see us here at Carolina Data Recovery.
You have enough to worry about. Let us handle your precious data
Hard Drive Failure Rates by the Numbers Video Transcript
Here at Carolina Data Recovery we receive many questions regarding hard drive manufacturers. “Who makes them” and “Whose fail most often” are the primary questions our customers have for us when looking at back-ups for their system. We decided to do an inventory of our own records and break the numbers down into understandable data for our customers. Our findings were pulled from 859 hard drive sample and compiled by our team of experts.
From the chart pictured above the data shows there are two manufacturers that make up a 74% majority of failed hard drives with five other categories dividing the remaining 26%. That may seem shocking at first glance, especially if you own Seagate or Western Digital hard drive yourself, but upon further analysis it has a simple solution.
According to an article in Anand Tech, Seagate and Western Digital are pound-for-pound the largest data storage providers in the game, with Toshiba taking a dramatically lower third place. By their numbers, the market share of Q1 2016 was 43% Western Digital, 39% Seagate, and a mere 17% for Toshiba. With this context provided why do Seagate and Western Digital take up so much of the market and therefore represent so much of our failed drives? Because they are two of the oldest data storage providers in existence, with their origins extending back into the early days of computing; the 80s. They have been some of the longest standing providers of data storage and because of that their brand recognition has grown exponentially.
Our data does show that Seagates seem to fail more often, but that can easily be from external factors, like user error, and should not dissuade anyone from purchasing a Seagate. All of these hard drive manufacturers make reliable, affordable products, some of which are better suited to certain tasks or user preferences. But all hard drives have the potential to fail, and almost all will fail given enough time and usage.
Should that happen come to Carolina Data Recovery where we offer free quotes, fast service, and a “No Data – No Fee” Guarantee, whether you’re here in the Carolinas or any of the cities we serve. With over 20 years of expertise, and a strong understanding of the manufacturers, we are more than able to tackle any challenge that comes our way.
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Carolina Data Recovery
You have enough to worry about. Let us handle your precious data.
Citation
https://www.anandtech.com/show/10315/market-views-hdd-shipments-down-q1-2016/2
