Data loss is by far one of the most frustrating consequences of cyberattacks, both in personal and professional settings. Losing important files and documents can set you back on active projects or even cause significant financial losses. Either way, recovering lost data in these situations is your only shot at fixing the problem. Here are some of the most common reasons why data loss happens, as well as what you can do to reverse the damage.
Most Common Causes of Data Loss
While cyberattacks and malware infections are one of the most common reasons behind a data loss, these are not the only factors that can lead to such an issue. It is well known that hackers are fishing for exploitable data all over the internet. However, sometimes it only takes a few mistakes on your part to find yourself mourning over lost files. Here are some of the most common causes of data loss, other than cybersecurity-related incidents:
- Stolen device – if someone gets their hands on your device, whether it was lost or stolen, your data will be a major risk. In case your laptop gets in the wrong hands, the person could choose to exploit your information for profit. However, even if they decide not to do anything with the data, you still won’t be able to access it without your device. There is not much you can do to recover files from stolen devices if you never backed them up to the cloud. Therefore, make sure to back up all your files to one or multiple safe locations on the cloud to prevent data loss in time.
- Damaged hard drive – a damaged hard drive can corrupt important files or prevent you from accessing them without complex software solutions. Dropping your laptop to the ground or accidentally spilling water all over it can lead to significant damage and eventually data loss. In this scenario, your best option is to seek professional help and check with the service whether the drive can be repaired or not. Professional data recovery services will help you get as much data back as it is physically possible, considering that the drive had gone through significant physical damage.
- Accidentally deleted files – if you accidentally deleted important files off your device, don’t panic right away. A careless mistake like this can happen to anyone. The first thing you should do is check whether the files are still located in the trash bin. If not, you will have to put in a bit more effort into recovery, starting by downloading a data recovery software and running it to find the lost files. Even after you empty the trash bin, the files will still be accessible deep within the hard drive, which is why a recovery software could help you in this situation.
Data Recovery Solutions after a Cyberattack
When it comes to recovering files lost due to a cyberattack or malware infection, it is important to understand that sometimes there will be nothing you can do. If you haven’t backed up your files in time, they might be gone forever. Thus, data backup and virus protection are the keys to preventing unwanted consequences.
However, if it is already too late, there are two options for you to consider: downloading a recovery software and scanning the device and hard drive for lost files, or taking the device to a professional data recovery service. Make sure to start implementing cybersecurity measures and backing up your files in time so you don’t find yourself in this situation again.
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