...a backup solution, they still experienced data loss

London – 28 March, 2013 – According to a recent survey of its Ontrack® Data Recovery customers, Kroll Ontrack, the leading provider of data recovery and e-disclosure products and services, found that while 60 percent of respondents had a backup solution in place at the time of data loss, the backup was not current or operating properly. As we near World Backup Day on 31 March, 2013, these findings provide key insight into the importance of diligently monitoring and verifying that a backup is successfully operating and capturing a current, accurate snapshot.

Additionally, survey results indicated that external hard drive backup was still the most used and sought after approach to backing up both business and personal data. In fact, 60 percent of respondents utilised an external drive solution, while 15 percent leveraged the cloud and 15 percent backed up to tape. Regardless of backup solution used, there are common scenarios where backups are unsuccessful and therefore not reliable after a data loss:

External drive only connected on an occasional basis; backup not automated and instead performed on demand

Computer not on during scheduled backup and not configured to perform at a different time

Backup software failed

Backup ran out of destination space

Backup profile did not cover all of the device requiring backup

File lost before scheduled backup

“Leveraging a data backup solution is critical for any business or individual protecting against data loss,” said Robert Winter, head of engineering, Kroll Ontrack. “However, as our recent global survey results demonstrate, even a reputable cloud or external media solution does not always provide predictable results. An effective backup solution hinges on the user or IT administrator attentively validating that the solution is functioning as expected and verifying that the backup is complete.”

Kroll Ontrack surveyed 600 recent Ontrack Data Recovery customers from North America (27 percent), Europe (58 percent) and Asia Pacific (15 percent), with one third of respondents experiencing personal data loss, and two thirds having lost business data. After experiencing data loss, 87 percent of respondents indicated they are extremely likely or somewhat likely to seek a backup solution. Of those, nearly 60 percent are seeking an external hard drive solution and roughly one fourth are looking to the cloud to protect their data. The remaining 13 percent of respondents who do not plan to seek a backup solution cited the time and expense associated with research and administration as the overwhelming barrier to consideration.

“While World Backup Day reminds us that employing, monitoring and validating an effective solution is the key component in the fight against data loss, our survey demonstrates that data loss still occurs,” said Phil Bridge, managing director, Kroll Ontrack. “Enlisting the assistance of a reputable and experienced data recovery provider when there is a data loss provides organisations and individuals with the best possible chance of recovering their important data.”

Tips for Backup Success

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