Effective Data Management

We are currently living in a Digital age and economy. Over the past few years, we have embraced several new technologies coming out. The key aspect of these Digital technologies is to deliver information to end-users and peers in better and faster ways. On the other hand, easier access and distribution of digital data paved a path to malicious attacks.

Nowadays, residential users and business are highly reliant on Data. It is vital for everyone to be able to access and share without security concerns. It is highly recommended to review security measures and optimise security for greater cost effectiveness. The breach of financial records, personal information and intellectual property will pose a greater threat. There is no doubt that Data is a valuable asset and it is vital to ensure business continuity. However, Data is at risk from a number of sources and broadly classified into internal and external attackers.

Effective data management is necessary to reduce security concerns. Data is spread across various databases, file servers, email messages, hard disks and removable media such as USB drives. Most of the businesses are aware of the risks of improper data management, however, implementing a solution can be challenging. There are so many technical aspects plaguing businesses of all sizes. Today, we will try to analyse plausible solutions to address security risks.

Data Loss Prevention is a technique used to identify potential data breach. The Data Loss Prevention solution identifies sensitive information and safeguard regardless of format and data storage type. For instance, uploading information or sending an email is highly monitored and blocks if there is any data breach.

Encryption is one of the most famous strategies to ensure confidentiality. Files and folders on a personal computer or across a network should be encrypted.

Database activity and monitoring assist in keeping track of huge amounts of data in a single location and finding crucial records of data very easily.

It would be cumbersome to setup a well organised data management plan and executing it. However, it is worth taking a time and paying attention to it as it will improve performance and reduce security concerns. Sometimes, data loss can take place due to accidental deletion or hardware/software failure. The only solution to recover you lost data is to seek a data recovery service.

How to Recover Data From Failed RAID 5 Drives

RAID drives, also known as a redundant array of inexpensive disks, are a type of technology that is used for data storage and protection. These disks distribute data across all of the hard drives in the unit. RAID drives have been developed and have evolved over time making them more user friendly and recover from a disk or system failure more readily than in the past. The RAID 5 is a specific type of RAID system that evenly spreads data across all of the disks in the array. Failure of one of the disks in the RAID 5 array will not result in data failure of all of the disks in that unit. In fact, RAID 5 drives have a recovery option that, if initiated, will rebuild and restore the data on the corrupted disk.

While this process will slow down the functioning of the non-corrupted disks while the data is being restored, the entire array should return to normal functioning following the system rebuild.
The total system-rebuild and data-restore process is fairly simple and can be broken down into three easy steps. However, it is important to keep in mind that this rebuild will be successful only if one disk in the array has failed. If more than one disk becomes corrupted, the entire array will fail to function and all of the data stored on those disks will be lost.

Instructions for Rebuild of the RAID 5 System

1. In order to begin the rebuild process, you must first shut down your computer and allow it to cool down for several minutes. While the computer is cooling off, disconnect its power source. It is also important to unplug all other cables that may be connected to your computer. This includes monitor cables, network cables and any other connections that may be attached to your computer’s monitor or tower. After all of the cables have been disconnected, remove the front cover of your computer tower so that you can access the inner components of the tower itself. It may be necessary to unscrew the back cover of the tower in order to get inside however; most tower cases are fairly simple to remove without the use of tools.

2. After you have removed the tower cover, you will be access your computer’s hard drive. At this point, you will need a screwdriver. Locate the hard drive and unscrew it from the drive bay. Remove the corrupted hard drive and replace it with the new one. Screw the new hard drive back into its proper position. It is also important to reattach all of the cables that were connected to the original hard drive. Make sure that each cable is attached to its proper port or the new hard drive will not function. Reattach the tower cover as well as all of the power and network cables that were previously removed.

3. At this point you may turn on your computer. While the computer is starting, you may have the option to access the third-party RAID software, if you do have this option, select it. This software should have an selection to repair or recover your hard drive. If no such option presented to you, simply click “Start” and then right click on the “Computer” option. From here, choose “Manage” and go to “Disk Management”. You will see your newly installed hard drive on your screen at this point. Right click on it and select “Repair Volume”. At this point, all of your lost data from the RAID 5 drive should rebuild and your computer should return to its normal functioning.

Pros and Cons of Using Remote Online Backup Systems

Many people are starting to use an online backup service to store their documents. Businesses will use this to keep their files safe in case of a break-in or disaster at the actual office site. Home workers may do this in order to have a secure place to store their files without having to purchase an external hard drive to do so. However, there are pros and cons to using online backup services.

What is a remote online backup service?

First, the basics – what is a remote online backup service? Put simply, it’s an Internet-based system that can be set up to automatically backup all of the files that you have on your computer. These files are stored online. You can then access these files remotely. This means that you don’t have to be in the office to access them. It also means that there is a copy of every file available to you in case damage is done to your computer and the files can’t be accessed from there.

Advantages of using an online backup service

There are some really good reasons that people today are relying on remote online backup systems. Some of the advantages of using these systems (as compared to other options for backing up files) include:

• The entire system is automated. When people have to be relied upon to do the backing up of files manually, there are often problems. People get delayed and files don’t get backed up in a timely manner. People make errors and files aren’t properly stored. These problems are typically avoided when using an automated remote online backup service to store files.
• The backup copy of the data is stored in a location other than the office or home office. This is important because it means that problems affecting the office computer won’t affect the files that are stored elsewhere. In other words, if there is a fire at your office and all of your files and equipment are damaged, you will still have the off-site backup copy of everything.
• You can store as much information as you need to store. Many people have used other forms of backup like the external hard drive to keep copies of their files. These forms are limited in the amount of information that can be stored. That isn’t the case with an online backup service (although you do pay for whatever you use).
• Your information is stored in an organized fashion. Most remote backup services offer some type of inventory-style list of the information that’s been backed up. This may be more organized than whatever system you use yourself.

Disadvantages of using an online backup service

There are a lot of advantages to using online backup services. However, not everything is perfect about them. Some of the disadvantages of these systems (as compared to other options for backing up files) may include:

• Your system may slow down during backup. This isn’t too much of a problem for most businesses today. However, it can happen. This depends on the service that you’re using, the speed of your Internet connection and other technological factors.
• You do take some minimal privacy / security risks when using a remote online backup service. As a general rule, your information is safe when stored online with these services. However, hackers (and problematic employees working for the remote backup service) could be a threat in some rare instances.
• The cost may be high for businesses that are storing a lot of information. Most remote backup services charge you based on the general amount of data that you backup every month. If your plan requires that you backup a lot of information then this can get pricey.
• The company could go out of business. You want to make sure that you understand what’s going to happen to your information if the company goes out of business. There should be some sort of plan in place for that but smaller companies may fail to take those precautions which can put your information at risk of loss.

As you can see, there are drawbacks to using online remote backup services but these may not outweigh the benefits of backing up your files in this manner. There are just a few other things that you might want to know about these services to determine whether they’re right for you:

• There are a lot of different remote online backup service providers to choose from. They vary in the exact services that they offer. They also vary in cost. Mozy is currently one of the most popular choices but there are many, many other options.
• You will want to look at managed vs. unmanaged backup service options. The difference is in the amount of monitoring and assistance that you get from the company that is providing the service.
• Some online backup services are good for people who work remotely. That is because you can access your files through these services no matter where you are working from. This particularly makes these types of services beneficial for people who are collaborating remotely with others. There are other ways of doing this type of collaboration but it could be an added benefit of certain online backup systems.
• The cost of remote backup services is generally considered to be worth it for most businesses. That is because you save yourself a lot of time, stress and even money if you do have to use the service. If your files are lost, it’s going to be costly to replace that information. The online backup service works as a sort of insurance program to protect you from that.

Those are the basic things that you’ll need to know to get started with researching online backup systems. From there, it’s a matter of looking at the different services  (such as rightclickit) available to you and finding the right one.

Data Recovery for Dummies

What is data recovery?

Data recovery involves the process of salvaging information off a damaged or corrupted hard drive or other storage device. Typically, a hard drive can last years with very little problems. You might need to reformat it here or there, but you will have time to save your files from being lost for good. In other cases, however, your hard drive will go bad and you will potentially lose everything on it in the blink of an eye. In the latter case, data recovery is important to track down that information and restore it to use on another drive.

Anything from a power surge to old age can cause your hard drive to fail. Sometimes it just happens. There is no way to predict when and if a hard drive will fail, but with the potential there, data recovery may be the only to save the data still left if you did not back up your files. Most computer users do not back up their files, they have never experienced many problems with their computers, and they do not know better.

Data recovery involves all the processes that go into taking data from one place that has failed and securing it another more viable drive. Everything from what you do the second the hard drive begins having problems to what a licensed professional does on the drive are part of the recovery process. Every second counts when it comes to data recovery and trying to save what is left on your corrupt hard drive, because even the slightest delay, bump or further disruption is a strand of data that may be lost for good.

Why is data recovery important?

When you have done everything in your possible to prevent data loss, it is still probably it will not be enough. Data recovery and the processes are important for just that reason. Hard drives contain some of our most personal data, business files and other files that mean the world to us. Losing them would be akin to losing our wallet or our house burning down in many cases nowadays. So much is invested in what we save on our computer that losing that amount of information can cause a business to go bankrupt or a student failing their final. Being able to recover that information, even if it costs a lot to do so, may mean the difference between success and failure for many people who use their computer to invest in their future.

Logical and physical damage to a hard drive is a very real possibility. Tapping your desk-top's case or even opening it to take a look inside can cause problems with the hard drive. Anything from dust to a stray eyelash can cause the hard drive to fail due to the sensitive nature of its design. Logical damage, such as a virus or other system failure, can be just as deadly. These are real possibilities when owning a computer, and they are just some of the ways a hard drive could fail, and all the more reason to take data recovery more seriously.

When computer users realize the importance of data recovery, they can do what they must to combat it. They can backup their data, and they can take initiative in developing a plan should their hard drive fail. Businesses and others that rely on their computer as if it were life or death should take heed to the importance of data recovery and data backup with their files.

What causes a need for data recovery?

The primary cause for data recovery is the failure of a hard drive disk. Many different things can happen to a computer in its lifetime, and for most users, they will never experience a hard drive failure. However, if the hard drive fails, one of two things will happen: It will show signs of problems, you can back up your data and you will avert disaster or, more commonly, one day your computer will just fail to boot the hard drive and you will stare at a blank screen. When the latter happens, the quicker you take the computer to a data recovery specialist, the higher the odds are that you will be able to save what is left sitting on the dead drive.
Data just does not magically erase itself. Just because the drive is inoperable does not mean trained technicians can not wade through it to find what you are looking for. Not everything may be recoverable, but enough might be to save you the headache of explaining where all the family photos from your last ten vacations went. Trying to save the information yourself is inadvisable, as most basic computer users do not know what they are doing and will cause more harm than good. Many software applications that claim to be able to save your data can end up erasing it in the wrong hands. If you have no experience in data recovery, taking your drive to a professional is the safest way to secure your data.
Saving yourself from the headache of data loss is the first step to data recovery. Backing up data in multiple places, such as on DVDs or flash drives, is the easiest way to avoid trouble. Using an external hard drive is also recommendable for those storing a lot of important data, files and photos on their internal hard drive. An external drive can be hooked up to any computer, so if your primary computer goes down, you can use transfer the data to a backup computer until you get things running again.
If you find yourself in need of data recovery services, check your local area for consumer electronics stores or mom and pop computer shops or check online. Most are sure to provide data recovery services at a reasonable cost, and they will also be able to help you find a new hard drive for your computer that will host your new data. Hopefully, if you run into this problem, you will have backed up your data and will not lose everything while learning your lesson in the process.

Online Resources:

Best Online Data Recovery Software: Wise Recovery - CLICK HERE for details

Best Memory Card Recovery Software : Card Recovery PRO - CLICK HERE for details

Cheap Data Recovery

Without any physical damage, you may be able to go with a cheap data recovery software solution. But if you have actual physical damage to your hard drive, you will need to seek out a data recovery company.

Cheap Data Recovery Companies

Finding a cheap data recovery company can be a difficult task if you actually want to get all your important data back in one piece. With something that important you need to make a decision based on the quality of the company, not just on price. If you are simply looking for the best prices when searching for data recovery companies you may be disappointed in the quality of the service or you may fall victim to a scam.

There are many companies that use deceptive practices to draw you in and then jack up the rates. These are called "bait and switch" tactics which lure you in with unreasonably low quotes so that you decide to go with them and then when you actually send them your hard drive, they tell you the drive is damaged more than they anticipated and will raise their quote to two or three times of their original.
That is why researching companies and looking for real reviews is an important step to take when looking for data recovery companies. Some good examples of quality companies would be ACS Data Recovery and Ontrack but those are not the only good ones out there.

Cheap Data Recovery Software

For many people wishing to recover their lost data, a software solution is the preferable choice. It is generally cheaper and you can do it yourself. But you can only use software to solve certain problems with your drive. If it has an actual physical defects or won't run you won't be able to use any data recovery software, especially not cheap data recovery software.
One of the most common questions when it comes to data recovery software is how expensive is it. Many users may opt for cheaper solutions but it may end up costing you even more than if you had just gone with the quality choice to begin with. In some cases the data may be completely lost and then you're completely out of luck. But all this doesn't mean you need to spend a ton or go with the most expensive option, because more expensive doesn't always mean better. It's just that the cheapest data recovery choice is not usually the best except in rare cases.

Tips For Recovering Lost Data

It's important to remember when you lose files that you want to recover that you shouldn't reformat or save anything else to your hard drive. When you delete files on a PC, the data is not actually gone until it gets over written. All that you do is erase markers that tell your hard drive not to write anything there. If possible, you should turn off your computer right then and there and either boot up from another drive or run your recovery software.
Really when the time comes to recover important data, expense should not be an issue, especially if that data is invaluable to you. Expense of the data recovery and security should be directly relative to its importance and how badly it is needed when disaster recovery models come into play.
The most important thing to do when looking for cheap data recovery is to do your homework. Cheap doesn't always save you money especially if you go with a company that charges X dollars just to look at your drive. Try to find a company that won't charge you until they actually recover the data that way you know that they are actually good at what they do.

Online Resources:

Best Online Data Recovery Software: Wise Recovery - CLICK HERE for details

Best Memory Card Recovery Software : Card Recovery PRO - CLICK HERE for details