Data loss is the permanent loss of computer data due to unforeseen circumstances. Common causes include power outages, deletion of files, hardware and software problems, viruses, and hacking. Data recovery is possible, but prevention through regular backups and surge protectors is advised. Data unavailability and data leaks are other ways to lose access to data. Recovery procedures include hard drive recovery and backup copies stored on secure media. In some cases, data is unrecoverable due to overwriting or physical damage to the hard drive.
Data loss, sometimes called a data loss event, is a computer term that refers to the permanent loss of computer data due to unforeseen circumstances. Some common causes of data loss are power outage, intentional or unintentional deletion of computer files or programs, various hardware and software problems, a harmful computer virus, or computer hacking. There are various types of data loss, such as data truncation, which makes data unavailable to users due to improper storage; corrupted data, which inserts errors into data making it inaccessible or ineffective; and complete data loss, which can occur if files are deleted. In many cases, data recovery can be performed to regain access to lost data, but this is not always possible. To avoid data loss, users are advised to take regular and frequent data backups, using multiple hard drive partitions and also installing surge protectors and battery backup systems.
There are ways other than data loss that a user can lose access to data. For example, data unavailability occurs when data is inaccessible due to power outages, network issues, or other temporary issues. Unlike data loss, this loss of access to data is not permanent. Data can also be stolen or otherwise obtained by an unauthorized party, sometimes called data loss or data loss. However, a data leak doesn’t always result in the loss of data from the original computer.
Data recovery is sometimes possible using specific procedures. For example, hard drive recovery can be done by trained computer technicians, and damaged partitions can often be recovered. In some cases, accidentally deleted files can be reassembled and the data restored. One of the easiest ways to avoid data loss problems is to make a backup copy of your computer files and programs that you can use to restore lost data. This backup should be stored on secure media such as a separate hard drive or computer, CD or memory stick.
In some cases of data loss, the data is unrecoverable. For example, if files are overwritten rather than simply deleted, the data is usually permanently lost. Therefore, it is not recommended to add new data to a computer if data has been lost until data recovery has been attempted. Additionally, physical damage to the hard drive can often make data recovery impossible. Repeatedly restarting a computer if it has experienced data loss due to physical hard drive problems can make the problems worse.
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