01 May 2012

Kroll Ontrack dispels consumer myths about data recovery

LONDON, 1 May, 2012 – Kroll Ontrack, the leading provider of data recovery, information management and legal technology products and services, today announced the top five data recovery myths for consumers. From concerns over cost to basic misunderstandings about personal devices, preconceived notions are hindering consumers from successfully recovering lost or damaged data, as well as protecting their data from future loss.

“When a data loss occurs, consumers are often unaware of the data recovery process and how to engage a data recovery provider. Panic tends to dictate their decisions,” said Phil Bridge, Managing Director, Kroll Ontrack UK. “Kroll Ontrack is drawing on its more than 25 years of data recovery experience to help educate consumers about commonly held misconceptions, which can actually do more harm than good, in an effort to help clients comprehend exactly what to do to obtain a successful recovery.”

The most common consumer data recovery misconceptions include:

I back up my data, so my data is safe. If a consumer is not 100 percent sure how they are backing up their data or if their backups work, chances are they are not doing it properly. Just as you would buy insurance to protect your house from fire or flood, the same holds true for the data on your mobile, laptop and desktop devices, hard drives, memory cards and flash drives. Considering that analyst firm Gartner estimates that 25 percent of computer users worldwide experience data loss every year, it is critical that consumers carefully consider their choice of data recovery provider. Consumers should look for a provider that offers a variety of recovery products and services for every data loss situation – from do-it-yourself software and remote data recovery services to onsite lab and cleanroom options. Moreover, a chosen provider should provide a list of all recoverable files free of charge before making a purchase decision, so the client does not pay for something they don’t receive.

Data recovery is a commodity with a fixed cost. Consumers should be aware that the data recovery process has a number of components each with their own associated cost and risk. In some cases, an advertisement for a low-cost flat-rate recovery is only a starting point to begin the recovery process and often times that provider will bump up the fee with hidden costs. As the amount of time, difficulty and spare parts associated with the recovery increase, so does the price, making an initial low-cost solution more expensive in the long run. Obtain a written price quote based on the difficultly of the recovery, what files can be recovered and if spare parts are needed. Separate charges should not be incurred for work performed in a cleanroom environment, unless stated upfront. Finally, ensure post-recovery support is available to make sure migrating data back into your home environment goes smoothly.

My data is safe in the hands of my data recovery provider. Despite fancy awards on websites or “proof” that your recovery specialist has been certified to meet industry standards, chances are it is just another tool in their advertising arsenal. Regardless of the scope of a recovery, consumers should ensure that their recovery provider maintains formal process and security protocols. Typical standards would include a strict information security policy and a comprehensive annual SAS 70 Type II Certification. Consumers should also ensure that the chosen provider has a secure ISO-5/Class 100 cleanroom environment. Further, it is essential that the chosen recovery provider can recover encrypted data and return it in an encrypted form.

My recovery job is too small for a data recovery service provider. A good recovery provider should be able to scale its offerings to handle recoveries regardless of size, hardware or operating system. Seek out a data recovery provider that has expertise in both large and small recoveries, as well as newer mediums, such as flash and SSD devices. Additionally, a provider that offers a variety of products and services to fit your budget will increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.

My data is password protected, so I don’t have to worry about it being compromised. Consider the bank statements, credit card information, and tax and medical information that you regularly save on your personal devices. Unfortunately, no technology is completely safe from compromise and it’s dangerous to assume that because you hid or encrypted your personal information it can’t be accessed. Consumers need to ensure a recovery provider has a long history of successful recoveries, informs them of their safety protocols, and returns their data in an encrypted format.

About Kroll Ontrack Inc.

Kroll Ontrack provides technology-driven services and software to help legal, corporate and government entities as well as consumers manage, recover, search, analyse, produce and present data efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to its award-winning suite of software, Kroll Ontrack provides data recovery, data destruction, electronic discovery, document review and ESI consulting. Kroll is a subsidiary of Altegrity, an industry-leading provider of information solutions.