Data stored on a Hard drive or any type can easily be corrupted, especially if a virus is added to the mix.  Some Of the ways in data is corrupted:

• During the writing source if there are bugs in the code
• Reading, if there are any viruses present on the device
• Storage, if there are any bugs, malware or trojans present on the device where data is stored to
• During the sending/transmission of data
• During the processing of data if the user is not careful of what he/she is doing

The main way that data is corrupted these days is through virus infection.  The problem all stems with user education and security within business.

Every PC should have a regularly updated antivirus program, there should be user policies in place and everyone should be well educated about the use and processing of data within a business.

Have you thought about the steps that would be taken to safeguard your business data in the event of a catastrophe?

Catastrophes can include:

• Theft
• Fire
• Floods
• Earthquakes

Have you got a plan in place?

It would be terrible if you lost all your business data.  You would probably close your business, because it would be too difficult to start from scratch.

Our suggestion is to always have a “complete backup” of your business data available at any time in three different locations.

1. On site in your business
2. Off site in a secure location (think Cloud server, Data storage bank, a vault)
3. A copy in your possession, wherever you go

Not sure how to go about this?  No problem.  Let us give you some ideas during a meeting.  It is difficult to gauge where you are at this point, so, we need to find out how prepared you are, and give advice to improve.

The way that data is stored on current storage media, leaves a lot to be desired.  New technologies for data storage are improving the way in which data is stored, but at the moment, these new technologies are too expensive for small to medium sized businesses to consider.

The problem with current data storage is that it is electronic.  Data is stored as a series of positive and negative sections on a magnetic disc.  The magnetic disc rotates on a shaft within a closed case.  The arms that read the data “see” the charged sections as a range of ones and zeros.

I won’t go into the specifics, but the problem with having moving parts, and storing data on these parts, is that the moving parts cannot continue to move forever.

There will always be a breakdown.  That is the case with internal and external hard drives.  In fact, this applies to all storage media.  Eventually, somehow, there is a device failure.

The best you can do is look out for the signs, and try ensure that you plan ahead and always have a backup of your data, in case, something happens.