Human Error Leading Cause of Data Loss
You might think malfunctioning machines or "acts of God" are the most common sources of lost data. Think again. A recent survey of 50 Windows NT network managers and system administrators identified simple human error as the number one cause of lost data on corporate databases, PCs and e-mail servers. The survey, conducted by Broadcasters Network International (Los Angeles), a marketing research firm, also noted that files accidentally deleted by end users was the most common human error leading to data loss. "We found this to be especially prevalent on NT networks because end users get lulled into a false sense of security by the Recycle Bin," says Phil Proffit, spokesperson for BNI. "Unfortunately, the Recycle Bin doesn’t handle network deletions or deletions from applications."