True, Hard Facts About Data Loss by the Numbers

Technology Articles | February 10, 2010

If you're like most business owners, data backup probably isn't at the top of your list of urgent problems to address. Maybe you already have a backup solution in place, and you think your data is perfectly safe. I've run across many people who felt the same way until it was time for them to recover their data.

Still not convinced, consider the following statistics published by the National Computer Security Association. According to the association, without having an adequate backup solution in place it takes:
19 days and $17,000 to recreate just 20 MB of lost sales/marketing data
21 days and $19,000 to recreate just 20 MB of lost accounting data
42 days and $98,000 to recreate just 20 MB of lost engineering data

Have those figures piqued your interest? If so, here are some more interesting statistics to consider.

100%
The average failure rate of disk and tape drives. ALL DRIVES WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL.

34%
Percentage of companies who actually test their tape backups once they're in place. Of this 34%, more than three-quarters find failures.

60%
Percentage of small businesses that go out of business within 6 months of losing their critical data during a disaster

Half
Average amount of critical corporate data that resides on unprotected PC desktops and laptops

1 in 4
Rate of users consistently back up their files. Of these users, a whopping 85% remain "very concerned" about losing important data.

22%
Amount of computer users who said backing up their PCs was on their to-do list.

$55 Billion
Annual cost of damages to US businesses caused by computer viruses.

One-third
Total number of companies that report that they still do not have a disaster recovery program in place

2 out of 3
Number of small businesses that feel their data backup and disaster recovery plans have significant vulnerabilities

1 in 25
The probability of having your laptop stolen, broken and/or destroyed each year

500 times
Amount of data stored on today's hard drives versus a decade ago. This increased capacity amplifies the impact of data loss, making mechanical precision more critical.

30%
Your chances of having a corrupted file within a one-year time frame.

Conclusion: Don't let your business become just another statistic. Start thinking strategically about your data backup solution and enlist the help of a competent, trustworthy professional to protect your company's most critical asset: information. You'll be glad you did.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kendra Webb-Scott is an SMB Technology Specialist and technology writer. She has 7 years experience with hosted VoIP solutions, managed IT services, and CRM systems. Her mission is to help business owners meet and exceed their goals and focus on their core competencies using technology as the foundation of success. She is a graduate of Columbia University and holds a B.A. in Psychology and American Studies. Kendra enjoys working with IT professionals and savvy business owners looking to upgrade their telecommunications and data solutions to help take their businesses to the next level.

For more information or to contact Kendra, please visit: http://www.smbtechnologytoolkit.com/, or follow her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/KendraWebbScott.