Survey: More People Back up Their Data in 2014, but Still Lose It

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Kroll Ontrack survey shows simply having a backup solution in place isn’t enough to prevent data loss

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – March 27, 2014 — /BackupReview.info/– Having an external hard drive isn’t enough. That’s the main message behind updated data released today from Kroll Ontrack, the leading provider of data recovery and ediscovery. Results from a second-annual survey of customers who lost valuable computer data shows the majority of consumers and businesses are taking steps to back up their data, but a range of minor oversights rendered those steps ineffective.

Sixty-five percent of survey respondents had a backup solution in place at the time of data loss, up from 60 percent in 2013. Of those respondents, 59 percent used an external hard drive, 15 percent had cloud backup and 10 percent used a tape backup system. Additionally, 55 percent said they diligently backed up their data on a daily basis.

So why did they still lose their data? Regardless of the solution or backup frequency, data loss may have occurred as a result of one of the following oversights and/or failures:

• The external drive was only connected on an occasional basis; backup not automated and instead performed on demand
• The computer was not on during a scheduled backup and not configured to perform at a different time
• The backup software failed
• The backup ran out of destination space
• The backup profile did not cover all of the device requiring backup
• A file was lost before a scheduled backup occurred

“As the year-over-year survey results demonstrate, conducting backups is just step one in a complete backup strategy,” said Abhik Mitra, data recovery product manager, Kroll Ontrack. “Regularly ensuring your backup solution works effectively and the data is accessible is also paramount.”

Among the findings of the survey of 642 recent Ontrack Data Recovery customers across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific: 64 percent claimed losing business data (compared to 67 percent in 2013) and 36 percent experienced a personal data loss (compared to 33 percent in 2013). Of the 35 percent (compared to 40 percent in 2013) that did not have a backup solution at the time of loss, 53 percent said they are extremely likely to seek a backup solution, followed by 36 percent that are somewhat likely. When asked about the primary barriers that kept them from seeking a backup solution, time to research and administer a backup solution was once again the most common reason, cited by 49 percent in 2014 compared to 55 percent in 2013. Expense of backup solution, cited by 27 percent of respondents, was the next most common barrier to leveraging a backup solution.

“With backup technology getting better in quality and price, it is no surprise we saw an uptick in the percentage of people implementing a backup solution,” Mitra said. “What is interesting is that those that spend time, effort and money to implement the solution still experienced data loss, proving that one needs to be extremely diligent to ensure their chosen backup method is successful. If all else fails, the final line of defense should include enlisting the assistance of a reputable and experienced data recovery provider.”

In preparation for World Backup Day on March 31, 2014, Kroll Ontrack advises that individuals and businesses alike should diligently monitor and verify their chosen method of backup to ensure it is successfully operating and capturing a current, accurate snapshot. The company recommends assessing your personal data loss risk using the Kroll Ontrack Data Calculator and then taking the necessary steps to implement a backup system keeping the following tips in mind:

• Take the time to invest in a backup solution and set up a backup schedule
• Ensure backups are running regularly in accordance with the determined schedule
• Check backup reports for error indications or failure
• Test backups on a regular basis to ensure data has been accurately captured and files are intact

http://www.krollontrack.com/data-recovery/calculator/

About Kroll Ontrack Inc.
Kroll Ontrack provides technology-driven services and software to help legal, corporate and government entities as well as consumers manage, recover, search, analyze and produce data efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to its award-winning suite of software, Kroll Ontrack provides data recovery, data destruction, electronic discovery and document review. For more information about Kroll Ontrack and its offerings please visit: www.krollontrack.com or follow @KrollOntrack on Twitter.

Contact:
Kroll Ontrack
Kaitlin Shinkle
952-516-3581
kshinkle@krollontrack.com
www.krollontrack.com

Source: Kroll Ontrack

Tags: Kroll Ontrack