Common human errors leading to data loss

Did you know that human factors play a significant role in data loss incidents? In this article, we delve into the data danger zone, exploring the top ways your actions can lead to data loss. From accidental deletions to misconfigured settings, human error can have serious consequences for your data security. Learn how to identify and mitigate the risks posed by human factors to protect your valuable data!

Common human errors leading to data loss

Fault Tolerant Systems (continued)

Building a single fault-tolerant system is not enough to ensure data integrity.

Small companies and startups with large amounts of information to process and to store often invest in a fault-tolerant system as a substitute to backups. One thing they have to keep in mind is that no single system is going to be 100% reliable. So-called fault-tolerant systems will continue working if any one component fails, but many are just not implemented properly. For example, we had customers coming to us with a bunch perfectly usable hard drives but no working RAID controller. If a RAID controller fails, it may be difficult or even impossible to quickly restore access to information stored on the affected disks.

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Software RAID in Windows 10, Storage Spaces and Data Recovery from RAID drives 💻⚕️🤔

Software RAID in Windows 10, Storage Spaces and Data Recovery from RAID drives 💻⚕️🤔

The Human Factor

The human factor is the biggest cause of all errors. Distressed users will often do things they would never to otherwise.

Reason 1. DIY Repair without Proper Tools

Attempting to ‘fix’ the disk without using the right tools is plain dangerous, and may cause disastrous results to your data. Using disk recovery tools such as Windows checkdisk (a tool that comes pre-installed with every version of Windows) can mess up your hard drive and ruin your chances of getting your data back. Moreover, using checkdisk on a solid-state (SSD) drive may easily wipe it clear due to the way SSD drives operate (look up for TRIM data recovery to see why).

Reason 2. Fixing Things That Ain’t Broken

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Many users will forget this wisdom, trying to clean up, optimize or ‘fix’ their tablet or notebook storage system. This often results in deleted files (“freeing up some disk space”), wiped Recycle Bin, and messed up RAID settings and broken system recovery options. It is these types of activities that make us friends with a good half of clients.

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How to Restore Data from a Windows Computer or Laptop That Can’t Boot 💻🛠️👨‍🏫

How to Restore Data from a Windows Computer or Laptop That Can’t Boot 💻🛠️👨‍🏫

Reason 3. Pushing the Wrong Button

“Pushed the wrong button” is a frequent cause of accidentally deleted files, accidentally formatted memory cards in photo camera and accidentally repartitioned hard drives or USB flash drive. These accidents lead to an increasingly high rate of data loss. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy to fix with the right tools.

By the way, feel free to push all the buttons in tools made by our company. We guarantee they won’t cause any damage to your information no matter which button you push.

Reason 4. Virus

“Computer viruses”, as well as anti-virus tools, can cause important files to be deleted. Users’ carelessness often becomes the main reason for this.

Reason 5. Using Old Hardware

You’d never know how many old, obsolete systems are out there if we didn’t tell. Many organizations and some home users will use their hardware to death. Literally. A heavily worn out hard drive will be very difficult to fix; often impossible without bringing the disk to a data recovery lab. Incompatible interfaces (e.g. IDE vs. today’s SATA) will make older drives difficult or impossible to connect to a modern system, while bad sectors covering the entire platter may well render the data unreadable even in the lab.

Most Popular Causes of Data Loss

# Cause of Data Loss Description
1 Human Error Incorrect deletion, formatting, or modification of files, errors during data entry.
2 Hard Drive or Other Media Damage Physical damage to hard drives, flash drives, SSDs, leading to data access loss.
3 Virus Attacks and Malware Viruses, Trojans, or ransomware that corrupt or steal data.
4 Software Errors Bugs or crashes in software that cause data loss or corruption.
5 Accidental Data Deletion Loss of files due to accidental deletion or improper saving.
6 Power Failures Power interruptions that may damage data or cause loss.
7 Natural Disasters Fires, floods, earthquakes that damage servers or other data storage devices.
8 Theft or Physical Access to Media Theft of computers, servers, flash drives, or laptops containing important data.
9 Hardware Issues Damage to computer components (motherboards, controllers), leading to data loss.
10 Backup Software Issues Failures in backup systems that make data recovery impossible.

Infographics

Top Ways to Lose Your Data
Oleg Afonin

Author: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Vladimir Artiukh

Editor: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common ways that data can be lost in fault-tolerant systems?
    • Human Error: Humans can make mistakes that lead to data loss, such as accidentally deleting files or not properly backing up data.
    • Hardware Failure: Hard drives and other hardware components can fail, leading to data loss.
    • Software Glitches: Software glitches can cause data corruption or loss.
    • Network Outages: Network outages can cause data to be temporarily unavailable or lost.
    • Power Outages: Power outages can cause hardware components to shut down, leading to data loss.
    • Malware and Viruses: Malware and viruses can delete or corrupt data.
  • How can hardware failures contribute to data loss in fault-tolerant systems?

    Hardware failures can contribute to data loss in fault-tolerant systems in several ways. For example, if a hardware component fails, it can cause the system to become unstable and lead to data corruption or data loss. Additionally, hardware failures can cause the system to become unresponsive, leading to data loss due to the inability to access or write data. Finally, hardware failures can lead to data loss if the system is unable to recover from the failure, as the data may be lost forever.

  • What is the role of software failures in causing data loss in fault-tolerant systems?

    Software failures can cause data loss in fault-tolerant systems by compromising the system’s ability to replicate or store data redundantly. This can lead to a single point of failure, where the system is unable to recover from a software failure and the data is lost. To prevent this, fault-tolerant systems need to be designed with redundant data storage and replication capabilities, as well as rigorous testing and monitoring of software updates.

  • How can power failures lead to data loss in fault-tolerant systems?

    Power failures can lead to data loss in fault-tolerant systems if the system does not have a reliable power source and/or fails to maintain proper power redundancy. In this situation, if the power fails, the system may not be able to access the data stored on its drives, or the data may become corrupted due to the lack of power. Additionally, if the system has a RAID array, the lack of power can lead to data loss if the array fails to rebuild properly due to a power failure.

  • What is the importance of proper backup procedures in preventing data loss in fault-tolerant systems?

    Proper backup procedures are essential for preventing data loss in fault-tolerant systems. Fault-tolerant systems are designed to withstand hardware or software failures, but they cannot protect against data loss caused by human error, malicious attacks, or natural disasters. Backing up data regularly ensures that any data that is lost can be recovered quickly and easily. Additionally, proper backup procedures can help reduce downtime and minimize the cost of recovering lost data.

Comments (12)

  • Marengo
    Marengo 1.07.2016 11:38 #
    You say that DIY repair without proper tools can be dangerous for my information and my hard drive. But how understand what exactly from all tools are right? You talk only about wrong... For example, I using Recuva. This program a secure, isn't it? What do you recommend to use for recovering data? Oh, i listen also that information never dissapear from my hard drive, so - when it going after delete?
    Reply
  • Dylan Errington
    Dylan Errington 12.09.2012 02:26 #
    What steps can be taken to recover data in the event of a data loss in a fault-tolerant system?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2012 02:40 #
      • Check the system logs for any errors or indications of data loss.
      • Try to access the data from a backup source.
      • If the data is not available from a backup source, try to use data recovery software to recover the lost data.
      • If the data recovery software fails, contact a professional data recovery service to help with the recovery process.
      • If all else fails, consider re-creating the data from scratch.
      Reply
  • Herschel Wilder
    Herschel Wilder 11.09.2012 23:22 #
    What are some best practices for preventing data loss in fault-tolerant systems?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 23:54 #
      • Use redundant storage: Implement redundant storage to ensure data is stored in multiple places. This will help protect against data loss in the event of hardware or software failure.
      • Regularly back up data: Back up data regularly and store it on an off-site location. This will help protect against data loss in the event of a natural disaster or other catastrophic event.
      • Use RAID: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that combines multiple physical disk drives into one logical drive. It provides redundancy, meaning that if one disk fails, the other disks can take over and provide access to the data.
      • Implement failover systems: Implement failover systems that allow for the seamless transition from one system to another in the event of a failure. This will help ensure that there is no downtime and that data is not lost.
      • Use version control: Use version control to keep track of changes to data and ensure that older versions can be accessed if necessary. This will help protect against accidental or malicious changes to data.
      Reply
  • Noel Medwin
    Noel Medwin 11.09.2012 21:22 #
    How can inadequate training and lack of knowledge among system administrators contribute to data loss in fault-tolerant systems?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 21:51 #
      Inadequate training and lack of knowledge among system administrators can contribute to data loss in fault-tolerant systems by increasing the likelihood of errors in the configuration and maintenance of the system. For example, if a system administrator does not understand how to properly configure the system for redundancy or fails to properly monitor and maintain the system, the system may be vulnerable to data loss due to a single point of failure. Additionally, if a system administrator is not familiar with the fault-tolerant system's features, they may not be able to properly identify and diagnose potential problems before they cause data loss.
      Reply
  • Brian Stackhouse
    Brian Stackhouse 11.09.2012 17:22 #
    What are some examples of human error that can cause data loss in fault-tolerant systems?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 17:43 #
      • Unplugging or powering down a system without properly shutting it down.
      • Deleting or overwriting critical data files.
      • Failing to back up critical data on a regular basis.
      • Entering incorrect commands or parameters that cause data loss.
      • Failing to properly configure a fault-tolerant system, resulting in data loss.
      • Not adhering to security protocols, resulting in malicious attacks that lead to data loss.
      • Not properly maintaining hardware components, leading to hardware failure and data loss.
      • Not properly monitoring system performance, resulting in undetected system issues that lead to data loss.
      Reply
  • Trey Copeland
    Trey Copeland 11.09.2012 13:28 #
    How can human error contribute to data loss in fault-tolerant systems?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2012 13:46 #
      Human error can contribute to data loss in fault-tolerant systems in a variety of ways. For example, a user may accidentally delete or overwrite important data, or make an incorrect configuration change that causes data to be lost. Additionally, an operator may fail to properly monitor the system, leading to undetected hardware or software failures that cause data loss. Finally, human error can lead to security vulnerabilities that allow malicious actors to gain access to the system and cause data loss.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 23.01.2018 12:52 #
    Read about top ways to lose your data and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
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