Data loss is described as any event which causes data to become unrecoverable from the device on which it is stored. Examples of data loss events include:

• Intentional or accidental deletion of files or programs
• Misplacement of storage disks such as tapes and CDs/DVDs
• Hardware failure or hard drive crash
• Software error due to program crash, file corruption or virus infection
• Disasters such as fire, flood or earthquake
• Theft of PCs, laptops or disk drives
• Power surge

Data Loss Statistics

Below are some statistics describing the effect of data loss on a typical business or organization:

• A single incident of data loss costs businesses an average of $10,000. Source: Price Waterhouse Coopers
• Companies that aren't able to resume operations within ten days of a disaster hit are not likely to survive. Source: Strategic Research Institute
• 30% of all businesses that have a major fire go out of business within a year, and 70% fail within five years. Source: Home Office Computing Magazine
• 93% of companies that lost their data center for 10 days or more due to a disaster filed for bankruptcy within one year of the disaster. 50% of businesses that found themselves without data management for this same time period filed for bankruptcy immediately. Source: National Archives & Records Administration in Washington, D.C.

Despite these statistics, many businesses are still not backing up their data. A systematic backup and recovery plan will protect your valuable data and provide peace of mind knowing that you can recover quickly and easily from a data loss event.