All backed up yet no data to show

Despite best efforts from customers and business to utilise backup solutions, new research has found they still experience data loss.

According to a recent survey of its Ontrack Data Recovery customers, Kroll Ontrack found that while 60% of respondents had a backup solution in place at the time of data loss, the backup was not current or operating properly.

The data recovery supplier says results indicated that external hard drive backup was still the most used and sought after approach to backing up both business and personal data.

Regardless of solution however, several common scenarios can lead to surprise data loss events:

• External drive only connected on an occasional basis; backup not automated and instead performed on demand• Computer not on during scheduled backup and not configured to perform at a different time• Backup software failed• Backup ran out of destination space• Backup profile did not cover all of the device requiring backup• File lost before scheduled backup

“Leveraging a data backup solution is critical for any business or individual protecting against data loss,” says Abhik Mitra, data recovery product manager, Kroll Ontrack.

“However, as our recent global survey results demonstrate, even a reputable cloud or external media solution does not always provide predictable results.

"An effective backup solution hinges on the user or IT administrator attentively validating that the solution is functioning as expected and verifying that the backup is complete.”

Surveying 600 customers from around the world, one third of respondents have experienced personal data loss, while two thirds have lost business data.

After experiencing data loss, 87% of respondents indicated they are extremely likely or somewhat likely to seek a backup solution. Yet the remaining 13% of respondents who do not plan to seek a backup solution cited the time and expense associated with research and administration as the overwhelming barrier to consideration.

"Monitoring and validating an effective solution is the key component in the fight against data loss, our survey demonstrates that data loss still occurs,” says Greg Olson, senior vice president of data and storage technologies, Kroll Ontrack.

“Enlisting the assistance of a reputable and experienced data recovery provider when loss happens will provide organizations and individuals with the best possible chance of recovering their important data.”

Tips for Backup Success:

• Take the time to invest in a backup solution and set up a backup schedule• Ensure backups are running regularly in accordance with the determined schedule• Check backup reports for error indications or failure• Test backups on a regular basis to ensure data has been accurately captured and files are intact

Have you experienced data loss? Do you back up your work? Tell us your experiences below