Data loss

<p>Data loss is an error condition in <a href="/facts/Information_system/apcSzFLh">information systems</a> in which information is destroyed by failures (like failed spindle motors or <a href="/facts/Head_crash/Ffoa3hcq">head crashes</a> on hard drives) or neglect (like mishandling, careless handling or storage under unsuitable conditions) in <a href="/facts/Computer_data_storage/wPHKFpdx">storage</a>, <a href="/facts/Data_transmission/1yAhaANd">transmission</a>, or <a href="/facts/Data_processing/74EKCDAq">processing</a>. Information systems implement <a href="/facts/Backup/ldV72CkU">backup</a> and <a href="/facts/IT_disaster_recovery/gDARyxfl">disaster recovery</a> equipment and processes to prevent data loss or <a href="/facts/Data_recovery/KvNG11I1">restore</a> lost data. Data loss can also occur if the physical medium containing the data is lost or stolen. 
</p><p>Data loss is distinguished from data unavailability, which may arise from a <a href="/facts/Network_outage/8DcAUp3j">network outage</a>. Although the two have substantially similar consequences for users, data unavailability is temporary, while data loss may be permanent. Data loss is also distinct from <a href="/facts/Data_breach/xGxRFY1A">data breach</a>, an incident where data falls into the wrong hands, although the term data loss has been used in those incidents.
</p>

Data loss open-in-new

Data loss