Even if you do not lose data during a power outage, the improper shutdowns can have lasting impacts on computer hard drives. If power outages or surges happen frequently, the lifespan of a hard drive will be greatly reduced and it will be more likely to crash.
However, you should also back up all data on the device in case it short circuits down the road
Backups are often the only way to recover lost data from a power outage. Your business should also use surge protectors to help prevent possible damage from power surges. Having a generator or backup battery system can also allow you to save or back up business data during a power outage.
In the modern workplace, more and more people are becoming mobile. This often means they are working from laptops or smartphones rather than PCs. Laptop theft is a serious risk and can happen anywhere if a laptop is left unattended. According to a study:
- 25 percent of IT theft occurs in cars or other transportation vehicles
- 23 percent takes place in the office
- 15 percent happens in airports or hotels
- 12 percent occurs in restaurants
On top of losing data, laptop theft also poses the threat of a data breach. If employees in your company store or access sensitive information on portable devices, you should have a means of remotely wiping data from those laptops or tablets. You should also ensure that crucial data stored on laptops is backed up to a safe location.
For computers in your office building, ensure that they are kept in locked rooms that only employees authorized to use them have access to. When closing your business overnight, be sure to have a secure lock-up procedure so that you do not installment loans online Connecticut no credit check invite thieves to steal computers or other valuables.
Sometimes a computer may seem to work fine after a spill, but the internal damage can have lasting effects that cause the computer to short circuit in the future
If your business uses laptops that contain valuable information, you should consider installing anti-theft software on these devices. This software allows you to track a laptop that has been stolen so that law enforcement may be able to retrieve the stolen device. Anti-theft software often includes the option of a remote wipe if there is valuable data stored on the laptop.
Spilling coffee or water on your laptop or computer can cause a short circuit, making it difficult to recover your computer, let alone the data stored inside. If your computer somehow gets completely submerged, the situation is even moreserious. Acidic drinks, like coffee, pose a particular risk as they can corrode the inside of a computer if a spill is not cleaned up properly.
To minimize the chance of such damage, keep liquids away from business computers and try to keep laptops stored in water-resistant cases. Your company can also implement policies that require drinks to be kept in spill-proof containers or designate specific areas where employees can have beverages. Remind your employees how important it is to keep your equipment clean and safe from accidental damage.
If a spill does occur, act quickly to minimize the damage. Shut the computer off and dry it as much as you can. You should also take the computer apart with the help of a technician to be sure none of the internal components are wet. Allow all parts of the computer to dry completely before putting it back together or turning it on. Cleaning up a spill as soon as it happens can reduce the risk of damage and data loss.