There are several disasters that can potentially destroy your data. Data is at the heart of nearly every organization, making it crucial to prevent or minimize loss. The following are several types of disasters that can result in data loss and the steps you can take to make sure you’re protected.
Different Types of Data Disasters
Unfortunately, there are several ways your data can be lost, deleted or destroyed.
Natural Disasters and Power Loss
Nearly every area of the country is prone to some type of natural disaster. A local power outage, whether there’s been bad weather or not, can also occur. This can affect data in two distinct ways.
First, if you’re in the middle of creating data and power goes out, you’ll lose everything you haven’t saved. Even hardware issues may occur when a computer goes down without shutting off properly (known as a graceful shutdown).
Ransomware Attacks and Malware
Malware and ransomware attacks have become epidemic.
What makes up malware, exactly?
It can include viruses, worms, spyware, and trojans. Malware even has the ability to look like an application that is safe to download. Once inside your computer, it has the potential to delete or steal data. Ransomware is software that can block your ability to access your system unless you pay a specified amount of money.
Malicious Actors
Nefarious individuals with ill intentions may be operating on the other side of the globe or, unfortunately, inside your own company. IBM reports that 60% of security breaches are carried out by insiders. While some of these occur inadvertently, it’s a big enough of a problem that it’s crucial for your business to continually monitor employee relations.
System Malfunctions
Hard drives are more vulnerable than most other devices in the computing system. Sometimes they’ll break down due to normal wear and tear. They can also become corrupt, leading to a shutdown. The causes for this can range from bad programming to using too much memory.
Related: 5 Benefits of Cloud Mobility
Human Error and Social Engineering
According to Dropsuite, human error is the number one reason for data loss. There are several ways an employee can lose or damage data. An employee can accidentally delete information or cause data loss by not following proper storage procedures. While social engineering involves malicious players, falling prey to it is normally considered human error. Phishing scams, tailgating, and baiting are just a few of the social engineering schemes your employees may become victims of.
Protecting your Data
There are several important steps you can take to protect data and prevent data disasters from occurring.
Conduct Frequent Backups
One of the best ways to combat data loss caused by human error is to conduct frequent backups. It’s crucial to make sure email data is included during backup. You should back up operating systems on a regular basis as well.
Complete Regular Audits
According to CSO, an audit consists of technical assessments of several IT components. An audit can tell you where your weaknesses are and help you create a plan to improve data security.
Install Antivirus Software
Even though many companies are choosing to store data in the cloud, you still need antivirus software to protect your devices. Choose software that provides regular scans and updates.
Related: Cybersecurity: What to Know and Where to Start
Provide Employee Training
Since human error is the biggest threat to data, it’s imperative to provide your employees with comprehensive training. It’s necessary to routinely test your employees to make sure training is effective.
Hire an Experienced IT Company
You need managed IT services that not only have the experience to protect your data but have the knowledge to create an individualized plan specifically for your organization.
Related: The Importance of Good Technology in Business
Protecting yourself from a data disaster is an ongoing process that requires the latest training and technology. Xpert Technologies has been providing expert IT solutions since 1998. Contact Xpert Technologies for information regarding how you can better protect your company’s data.