Data recovery can be very frustrating for those facing it. For business owners, it can hinder normal business activities and damage reputation and finances. For most users, it could lead to the loss of valuable data. Due to the unpredictable nature of data loss, it is essential to put in the work to protect your data and have ways to recover.
So, how do you do this? By being in the know. There is more to just data loss and recovery. There are some tips you need to have before it happens, when it happens, and after it happens. Fortunately, we at Handy Recovery Advisor have some essential tips. Let’s take you through them.
Prevention is Key
Common culprits of data loss are malicious programs such as cryptoware and ransomware. They decrypt user data gradually and demand the user make a payment before the files are released and restored. Cybercriminals tend to focus on small businesses that tend to have easy-to-infiltrate systems, making it essential for businesses to find ways to dodge such threats. Paying the ransom will not always guarantee the return of your data, but it should not be your only option.
The best and first option is to keep your data safe by practicing safe web browsing. Do not visit unverified sites, and also avoid downloading unsafe files on your computer. Always download files from sites you trust. Also, keep your system safe from malware and viruses by having an antivirus up and running. To be sure you can recover your data when you face such attacks, you should also back up your data locally.
Find a Cloud Backup Solution
While you do not have control over events that may lead to data loss, you can be prepared and know what to do. Waiting until you experience data loss before you begin to take action is the worst thing you could do. You should instead have reliable backups of your files, programs, folders, and data through a cloud backup software. When you have cloud backup, you can still view files no longer on your computer after data loss caused by accidental or malicious events.
Should your computer be infected by ransomware, you can restore it to factory settings for a fresh start. Afterward, restore your untouched files to their healthiest state from your cloud backup. If your computer is damaged beyond repair, you can get a new one and restore the files from your cloud backup. With cloud backup, you can be sure that you will always be able to recover your data, no matter what happens to it. Cloud backup is an essential step necessary in the prevention of data loss.
Stay Calm
When you realize some of your data is lost, the last thing you want to do is panic, making the problem even worse. The faster and smarter you are in reacting to data loss, the greater the chances you will recover your data. Begin by setting up a data recovery plan, and find out as much as you need to about the actions you should take if you accidentally delete important files or your data is encrypted. Once you have all the information, you can begin preparing a data recovery plan covering the steps you will take to recover as efficiently and quickly as possible. When disaster strikes, early preparation is the solution.
Do not use an Affected Device
Once you discover a data loss issue, use the device as little as possible until you analyze the issue, find out the cause, and resolve it. Continuing to use an affected device will worsen the situation, possibly overwriting the lost data and making the recovery process all the more difficult. Unless you are completely sure what the problem is and that using the device will not worsen the situation, avoid using the device.
Involve the Experts
If you are very concerned about losing your data and your top priority is recovering it, then you should take the affected device to an expert as soon as you can. The experts will diagnose the problem and help you recover most, if not all the lost data you lost.
Do not Install Data Recovery Software on the Device
Yes, while you can use data recovery software to recover your data on your own, you should not install the program on the affected device. The download and installation process could overwrite the data you are trying to recover. When using data recovery software, you should use one that can be installed externally. You can also install it on another device and connect the affected storage device to begin the recovery process.
Use Reliable Data Recovery Software
If you have taken the DIY path, go with a data recovery software that offers the solution you need. There are many data recovery software on the market, and they are not all the same. Do some digging before you choose a data recovery software, and ensure it is genuine and compatible with your system. Software with many reviews and users will often be the safest option.
Act Fast
Teach yourself to recognize when your storage device is failing. You will have a much easier time identifying data loss before it strikes. Some of the common signs of a failing hard drive are unusual noises, slow performance, missing or corrupted files, repeated crashes or restarts, a blue screen of death, and slow performance. If you notice any of these signs, begin data recovery and replace your hard drive as soon as possible.
Conclude
You may not have experienced data loss, but that does not mean you will never have to deal with it. While you can’t tell when it will be your turn or if you will ever have to deal with it, you can be prepared, and you should. If you keep all the tips in mind and begin taking the necessary actions, data loss and recovery will be a walk in the park.