Many of us have had software, hardware, and various operating systems corrupted by Mother Nature. While advances in technology have afforded us opportunities to save treasured family pictures and countless other files, Mother Nature can still intervene and wipe out your data. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, or just a powerful winter storm, failing to protect your computer could lead to devastating consequences when the wrong storm runs a surge through you computer and destroys data you cannot get back.
So, who should be protecting themselves? The short answer is everyone. However, different measures are required depending on whether you are trying to protect a small amount of private data or an entire network of data for a large or small business. A private user that is into social media and PC gaming should install anti-virus software and make sure their unit is run with surge protection. A business however should take the following steps to ensure protection:
1.) Make Back-ups: Though it should go without saying, few people take the time to make sure they back up all of their files. Not only should businesses regularly back-up their data, but the data needs to be tested from time to time to make sure that in the event of a breakdown, your back-up files can be transitioned safely.
2.) Restrict Access from Unauthorized Users: While a storm could certainly wipe out your data system, the most likely culprit is still human error. Often times the damage is done by an unwitting party who was improperly un-restricted to make changes of great consequence.
3.) Carry Your Laptops in Padded Cases: Not everyone appreciates just how fragile a laptop is until it bangs off something and all data is lost. Protecting your computer from bumps, bangs, and bruises will go a long way towards protecting your data and preventing a tragic loss of files.