‘Undetected Drives’ Continues to Be Main Reason for Data Loss

Kroll Ontrack Ltd. launches its third quarterly data loss index (DLI) that reveals one-in-four (25%) data loss scenarios are due to storage devices appearing to be unrecognisable or undetected (1).

More than one-in-ten (11%) experience data loss from the device failing to power on, just over ten%  lose data because of users dropping their device, and over 9% lose data due to deleted files.

The index covers individual disk assessments from countries as far afield as Poland, Romania and Senegal between January and March 2016 and is developed from the analysis of anonymous data collected through Kroll Ontrack’s data recovery self-assessment tool. This self-assessment tool helps individuals carry out an initial check on their device and receive first line advice on what to do next. Scenarios cover damage caused by fire, liquid, physical knocks and malware/virus infection.

Cause of data loss

The top reason for data loss in mobile devices was deleted files (33%). Liquid damage, the top reason for the past two quarters has taken a notable decline. Liquid damage now only accounts for 15% of data loss in mobile devices a drop of 7% from the previous quarter.

Phil Bridge, MD, Kroll Ontrack, said: “Accidents happen, but the worst thing for any individual or business to do is panic. No device is fool proof and our customers are often surprised with the data we can recover, even when all is seemingly lost. When data loss occurs, it is important to consider the options and information available before acting. Retrieving data from a faulty device, for example, could lead to further data loss, an undetected device and warranty voidance. Kroll Ontrack’s self-assessment tool is an excellent starting point that can equip users with helpful information that can point one in the right direction.“

Kroll Ontrack’s most recent DLI highlights that over two-thirds (70%) of data loss instances happened on laptops or external HDDs. The number of instances attributable to external HDDs remained similar, up 2% from 32% last quarter. The occurrences of data loss on laptops, however, has declined by 10%, down to 36%  this quarter. Devices utilising tape remain a very small percentage of the reported data loss (2% ).

Originally launched in the UK and accessible worldwide, Kroll Ontrack’s data recovery self-assessment tool is now available locally in Germany, Spain, France and Italy. Since the launch of the local language versions, the number of assessments more than doubled from last quarter (from 1,036 to 2,226), with demand for the tool particularly strong in Germany.

Top causes of data loss by country

Looking at results from the countries in Europe with the highest incidence of assessments, the top causes include undetected drives, dropped devices, not powering on, liquid damage, deleted files, physical damage and corruption. Undetected drives, where whole drives seem to disappear from the device, is one of the most common issues for users in all countries analysed. This may be caused by failing hardware or voltage fluctuations, and highlights the need to run regular backups for your data so that information is not at risk of loss.

(1) Analysis based on results of 2,226 users of the Data Recovery Self-Assessment tool from 43 countries