In March 2024, over 299 million data records were compromised by threats, which is over 50% more than previous month. With cyber threats and data losses happening at such a high rate, business owners often wonder why it keeps happening.
Well, business data loss occurs when an enterprise struggles to retrieve, move, or process its digitally stored information using the best practices. But still, there are some reasons why even enterprise data is at risk.
In this article, API Connects – globally trusted for data migration in banking – will dig into the 10 most common causes of data loss. Let’s get started!
10 Common Causes of Data Loss
Below are the 10 most common causes of data loss:
1. Human Error
It is one of the most common causes of data loss in a business environment. Human errors can include accidental deletion of files, wrong formatting of storage devices, and overwriting important data. Mitigating these errors can be done through proper training, strict protocols, and user-friendly software interfaces.
2. Hardware Failure
Hard drives, solid-state drives, and other storage media are more open to failure due to manufacturing defects, environmental factors, and wear & tear. Businesses can reduce the risk of data loss from hardware failure through regular backups, using reliable hardware, and monitoring the health of storage devices.
3. Software Corruption
There are many causes of software corruption including bugs, crashes, or malicious attacks. Corrupted files and software make data unreadable or inaccessible. Reduce the risk of software-related data loss through regular updates, patch management, and using reputable software. Watch out for this cause of data loss!
4. Malware and Ransomware Attacks
Viruses, worms, and ransomware compromise data integrity and lead to data loss in businesses. Ransomware particularly encrypts data and demands payment for its release. Robust antivirus software, firewalls, and regular security audits can help protect your data from malware and ransomware attacks.
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5. Theft and Loss of Devices
Laptops, smartphones, and other portable devices can get stolen or lost contributing to data loss. Mitigating the impact of data loss due to the theft of devices can be done by encrypting data on these devices, using remote wipe capabilities, and implementing stringent physical security measures.
6. Natural Disasters
Data storage systems and physical infrastructure can be destroyed due to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and fires. Businesses can ensure the safety of data during natural disasters by implementing disaster recovery plans, off-site backups, and cloud storage solutions.
7. Software Updates and Patches
Software updates and patches are essential for the security and functionality of business data. However, sometimes they can also lead to compatibility issues, crashes, or data corruption. Testing, staged rollouts, and having backup plans before starting the update can help you reduce data loss risks.
8. Cyber Attacks
Phishing, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and network intrusions can result in data breaches and loss. Cyber attacks can be tackled by applying cybersecurity strategies including employee training, strong authentication methods, and regular security assessments. A really common cause of data loss!
9. Data Migration Errors
Moving your business data to new systems, platforms, or storage solutions can be a complex and error-prone task. In short, incomplete or incorrect data migration can lead to data loss. Successful data transfers can be ensured by detailed planning, thorough testing, and validation of data integrity before and after. This is something API Connects ensures!
10. Insider Threats
Intentional or unintentional insider threats can contribute to data loss. Businesses face insider threats due to employees or contractors misusing sensitive business data. Implementing strict access controls, monitoring user activity, and fostering a culture of security awareness can mitigate the risk of insider threats in the business.
Common Data Loss Causes: Wrapup
We hope that the above blog helped you learn about the 10 most common causes of data loss. Regular backups, robust cybersecurity measures, proper training, and maintaining optimal environmental conditions are some of the key steps to ensure data integrity and availability.
Do you have any queries to ask about enterprise data loss causes and security? Contact us today to get them answered by our team of experienced IT engineers.
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