Irvine, CA based Hard Drive Recovery Associates (HDRA) recently discussed a few helpful habits that computer users can adopt in order to minimize the chances of their device suffering a catastrophic loss of data.
The company is a data recovery expert that specializes in retrieving their customers’ vital data from damaged or otherwise conventionally inaccessible hard drives and other storage media. Their years of experience in the field gives them a unique and broad perspective in all matters relating to data loss and how such losses can be prevented. In another recent release, for instance, they looked into ways that data can be permanently deleted if that is what the user desires.
This discussion, however, took the form of a blog post, which the company used to explore how data loss can occur and just how much users stand to lose should their system experience such an error. As they say in the article, “Data loss is something we all fear. Imagine, losing all your important files, photos, and videos. Data loss affects everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are. Whether you’re a business owner, home owner, or an employee, data loss can be detrimental to your health. Yes, just like smoking, it can kill you. especially if you don’t know how to handle it.”
The biggest issue, according to the company, is a lack of foresight and preparation. Data loss is a fairly common phenomenon, and most if not all computer users will have to endure data loss of one form or another over the course of their devices’ lifetime. Despite this fact, most people tend not to think about data loss or its prevention until a fault or accident of some sort occurs and they lose their files. While there are certain services that companies like Hard Drive Recovery Associates can offer to retrieve lost files, no method is as foolproof as taking preventative measures in advance.
First and foremost, the company says that all computer users should get in the habit of creating backups for their data. Whether at home or at work, backing up data adds a significant layer of insulation from data loss caused by damage caused to the primary storage device, whether that damage is due to external factors or an internal malfunction. As a rule of thumb, HDRA advises that backups should be made once a day. Data creation occurs all the time, so keeping a backup up to date can mean the difference between losing only a single day’s work and having to start over based on files that are months old. The company notes that many users will find an online backup service the most convenient option, as such services are usually able to update themselves automatically and manage files on behalf of their customers.
As the company says, “Seriously, data loss hurts. The thing is, it’s the last thing anybody thinks about. Do you think about it? You probably don’t until it happens to you. That’s the thing; it can happen to you.” The consequences are compounded if the data lost is important to more than one person. For instance, an individual storing photos on their personal computer will likely have no one else to answer to if they suffer data loss, but a business whose entire function depends on accurate record keeping could face major difficulties maintaining their standard operations if they lose their clients’ information. If the company is a financial institution like a bank, the consequences could make waves in a country’s economy.
However, bigger companies generally have a stable of computer experts who understand these risks and take measures to prevent, or at least minimize, the impact of a sudden loss of data. According to HDRA, there is little preventing smaller companies with fewer resources (and even private individuals) from adapting these methods for their own use. For instance, while an online backup can prove the most convenient option, some may prefer to rely on local hard drives for security or privacy concerns.
Those who would like to learn more about the company’s services, especially for Mac computers, are encouraged to reach out to Jack Edwards of Hard Drive Recovery Associates to follow up on any inquiries. More information can also be found on their website. Interested parties may find and read all their blog posts here as well.
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