The Main Causes of Data Loss and How to Prevent It

Here at National Computer Repair, we offer data retrieval services for our customers. But what exactly causes data loss to happen in the first place? Despite popular theory, files don’t just magically disappear from our computers.

While data loss may seem unavoidable, there are proper precautions to prevent this from happening. A great first step is to understand exactly why it happens. After all, knowledge is a powerful tool, and by knowing the leading causes, you can understand the warning signs and take the right measures.

1)     Hardware Malfunctions or Failure

By and large, the most common reason for why data loss occurs is through hardware or system malfunctions. Hard drives fail for a variety of reasons through mechanical failure caused by overheating, external damage, power outages, and more. Hard drives contain so many moving parts that it’s no wonder they break down so easily from wear and tear.

The easiest way to prevent this is by keeping your data backed up to another hard drive or the cloud on a regular basis. Regardless of which you choose, hard drive failure doesn’t mean your data is lost forever if you have it stored in another location. You may also want to consider investing in an SSD (Solid-State Drive) as it contains no moving parts, so it doesn’t have the same risks your typical desktop hard drive has.

2)     Software Corruption

Now, we have all experienced this at some point. You’ve been spending hours working on that important document only to have the software shut down suddenly without reason. This is what’s called software corruption, and can be caused by either buggy programs or using software that uses up too much memory on your computer.

This may seem like a common-sense solution, but we always recommend practicing good working habits by saving your documents frequently. That way, even if the software does shut down unexpectedly, it won’t be nearly as bothersome.

3)     Damaging Computer Viruses and Malware

New viruses pop up every single day that put your data at different degrees of risk. Everyone who owns a computer has typically experienced some form of data loss through malware infections. This can invade your computer either through email scams or phishing.

Phishing is another word to describe tools used to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. It impacts not only your computer but smartphones as well; basically, any device with internet access is vulnerable.

Not only can viruses and malware slow down your computer, but it can also spread like wildfire to the rest of your computer and destroy all your data. With that in mind, it is pivotal that you install good antivirus software on your computer and make sure to keep it updated with the latest security patches.

4)     Human Error

Lastly, one of the main risks is data loss is through someone accidentally deleting their own files without having a backup available. We tend to update or delete our files on a regular basis. That’s why it’s not shocking to hear we may slip up and delete the wrong files or format a device by mistake.

We’re all human – these things can happen to the best of us. For some, it’s become so common it barely even phases them until well after the fact. The best way to prevent this from happening is by having a proper backup of your files and take more caution when deleting or moving files.

By utilizing proper workflow strategies and backup procedures, you’ll be able to avoid the main risks of data loss. While there are plenty of ways for us to retrieve your lost data, you can make our jobs easier by following our recommended steps.

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding data loss and what you can do to prevent it from happening to begin with? Make sure to leave a post in our comments section below!