Thursday, 29 November 2007

Study: Consumers are Still Leaving Precious Digital Files Unprotected

A recent study done by Seagate has shown that consumers are still not prioritizing the protection of their data. According to the survey 35 percent of those surveyed in the U.S. are neglecting to make backup copies of digital content stored on their computer.

Carbonite, Inc., an online PC backup organisation, has also seen the trend through its own data, as well. A recent survey conducted by Carbonite indicates that 65 percent of PC owners have already experienced serious data loss, yet 68 percent of people never back up or back up only sporadically. Only 9 percent of people are aware that online backup services like Carbonite exist and can eliminate all their risk for a few dollars per month.

Confusion also exists about what consumers need to do to back up files and the difference between storage and backup. External hard drives serve as an appropriate storage solution, but can be easily damaged and leave files vulnerable.

As a conclusion to its survey demonstrating how consumers are not prioritizing backup, Seagate provides tips on how to use external hard drives, including one about taking data off-site. “For added protection against natural disaster, fire or theft, rotate two drives with one offsite or use an online storage solution.”

Carbonite’s data suggest that users are far less likely to back up if it requires any effort. Solutions such as rotating hard drives to different locations will work for only the most diligent and dedicated users.

“If it requires any effort, it just won’t get done. Backup is one of those tasks that’s easy to put off until tomorrow. The good news about online backup services…is that they are very easy to set up, and once installed it is completely automatic. The user never has to think about backup again,” said David Friend, CEO of Carbonite.