Lost data can cripple organizations and in some cases drive them out of business. Small businesses and faith-based organizations that rely on volunteers for their information technology needs can be very vulnerable.
In February 2007, the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) reported "Government figures suggest nearly one in five businesses suffers a major disruption every year. Further research suggests 80% of businesses affected by a major incident close down within 18 months, and 90% of those who lose their data are forced to close down within two years."
According to research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), digital data is growing in sheer volume, even for small businesses, which are less able to manage it due to lack of IT skills. The report, "The Expanding Digital Universe", predicts that in 2007 the volume of information created and replicated will surpass the storage capacity available to store it.
To prevent the loss of data, follow these guidelines to protect your growing volumes of data and when you encounter a data loss disaster, seek the assistance of CBL, your trusted data recovery specialist.
The Ten Commandments of Data Loss Prevention
- Thou shalt schedule regular backups.
- Thou shalt perform regular backups.
- Thou shalt verify that your backups are functional.
- Thou shalt store your backups somewhere away from the office.
- Thou shalt leave your computer in an environment free of humidity, dust and smoke.
- Thou shalt use power surge protectors.
- Thou shalt use anti-virus software and update it frequently to scan and screen all incoming
data and emails with attachments.
- Thou shalt handle your computer with care and protect it from mishandling.
- Thou shalt turn off your computer if it makes any unusual noises.
- Thou shalt dissuade both children and volunteers with good intentions, but lacking computer
knowledge and skills, from using computers containing very important data and files for
human error can be unkind to data.
