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Data loss prevention is only possible when causes of data loss are known. The IT report of 2000 states that data losses occur due to human errors. Human errors constitute as a cause for more than 32% of all data loss scenarios. Human errors embrace a vast field of accidental to ignorant maintenance of PCs and their components.

 

Some data recovery specialists argue that data loss occurs due to ignorance. The user is unaware that such a fault or malfunction can lead to disk failures and consequent data losses. Data losses have the potential to ruin businesses and shut them down for good. The Data Protection Act of 1988 makes it compulsory for all commercial and personal users to develop a system of data protection.

 

Causes

 

Human Error: Human error is the most common cause ranging from mishandling to poor maintenance and accidental deletions. Sometimes these maintenance errors prompt the PC to warn the user of an impending system crash. It tells the user to pay heed to these warning signs and shut down the computer reducing the extent of data loss. Human error can be classified as accidental or deliberate. Accidental human error embraces the aspects of accidental deletions of files, partitions and sectors. Accidental deletion means that the original saved data is not lost but has merely changed position. From the desktop the accidentally deleted files have shifted position to the recycle bin. Thus, data disappears from the desktop but exists somewhere in the system.

 

Many times users are aware that the PC or data storage device needs to be regularly updated and maintained. But research shows that more than 85% of PC users fail to comply with maintenance standards. Poor maintenance and mishandling occur when a user succumbs to:

 

·          Throwing or dropping the data storage device from a height

 

·          Exposing the device to extreme temperatures of heat, light and humidity

 

·          Cleaning and touching the device with oily and sticky fingers

 

·          Not cleaning the device with tissue cloth to get rid of dust: Dust contaminates the PC hard disk or any other external storage device. It scratches the platter of the device by touching it and leading to permanent data loss. It is crucial to get rid of this irritant or contaminant by gently cleaning the storage device.

 

·          Always hold the storage device in upright position and cover it with a sheath to avoid any mishandling

 

·          Physically moving the PC frequently

 

·          Keeping the PC or external storage device near pets. They may urinate and chew the device.

 

·          Keeping electronic equipment and mechanisms near the PC and external storage device

 

Media Failure or Mechanical Hardware Failure: This happens when a faulty data storage device is inputted into the PC. It corrupts the system. But the fault lies with the vendor. A user has to check the repute of the company selling the product as well as the warranty guarantee. Sometimes, the disk may simply fail as it has run its cycle. Mechanical failure cannot be prevented after 3-5 years of constant use. The lifespan of the disk can be prolonged by proper maintenance. This also includes regularly checking the power connections of the PC to avoid overheating. Mechanical failures are usually characterised by a clicking and whirring sound. In such cases, it is best to put off the computer and call the experts.

Another common cause of hardware failure is the inability of the hard drive to be detected upon startup. This usually means that the user has been saddled with a hard drive. It may occur due to user ignorance at the time of purchase. Other reasons include incorrect BIOS settings, cables not plugged in correctly or motherboard problems.

Disk Crashes: This occurs because of structural inconsistencies. Even though technology has advanced, large corporate enterprises still resort to archiving their data on hard drives. Though modern hard drives are inbuilt to withstand maintenance shocks, they are prone to crashes. A crash occurs when the high-speed rotating platters collide with the head of the disk interior. For proper operation, the rotating platters must not collide with the head. A hard disk crash can lead to permanent data loss if not rectified immediately.

 

Viruses: These constitute for more than 7% of all data loss disasters. Usually, it is difficult to locate and erase viruses from a PC system. They travel and spread fast corrupting entire network PCs. It is imperative to run anti-virus scans regularly with inbuilt virus protection tools of SCNDSK and CHKDSK.