So what lengths do we need to go to in order to ensure that our data is securely removed?

To put it simply there is no safe and easy way of ensuring that data is permanently eradicated from a hard disk or any other form of storage medium in reality. That doesn’t mean however that it can’t be done.

In order to completely erase data on a drive it is best to overwrite the original several times but not necessarily using the same methodology on each rewrite. Using a method that involves numerous passes over the data either using specialist software or with a manual process that adheres to recognized data erasure standards will under most circumstances guarantee that the data has been successfully erased.

There are many companies that can provide such data elimination services, and there are also a number of software applications that can serve the process including Evidence Eliminator, M-Sweep Pro Data Eliminatior and R-Wipe software from the company behind R-Studio Data Recovery Software.

Apart from software and manual deletion there are more robust methods of data disposal which is commonly know as data destruction. This involves the complete destruction of the disks to the point where recovery would be impossible.

While it would not be recommended DIY data destruction is an option you could try but this would mean that you would need to totally dismantle the drive, remove the platters and physically damaging as much of the disk as possible including destroying (shattering ) the disk as well.

There will always be those that are less educated in the filed of data recovery that will have you believe that simply formatting your drive or even conducting a low level format will do the trick. Sadly this is simply not the case. Another common myth is that reinstalling the operating system will suffice but that will remain the myth that it is.

Not all data will needs to be totally destroyed using the above methods and if you are happy that none of your data is personal or sensitive (both business or personal) then simply dispose of it in an environmentally responsibly way, but if you are at all unsure don’t take the risk.

Your local data recovery company will be able to advise you on safe hard drive recovery data disposal methods and will probably have a local service. data recovery and data disposal should always be left to professional operators who are happy to certify their work.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and if you have ever experienced a data loss in the past you will at least have at the very least a modicum of experience to guide you. But that said there are many signs of impending system failure so what symptoms should you be on your guard against?

Computer is working but simply won’t boot up properly: Often this can be overcome by starting your computer in safe mode if you know how, and going from there. But this will not always help as you may be suffering from a software issue or conflict or even possible a hardware issue such as a failing hard disk drive.

Computer starts to become slow: When we first get our new computer there is very little on it when it comes to programs and games for example, and over time the operating system due to the way it is designed becomes cluttered. Registry repair utilities can help operating system problems but data loss is always a risk. In extreme circumstances a total ODS re-install is the best option.

Pc virus, malware and spyware: Pc virus and other, malevolent applications can cause untold data loss and problems if not handled in the correct manner from the outset. Boot sector viruses and others will first start to be noticeable when you Pc starts behaving strangely so be on your guard.

So what are the options here once the problem has arrived, and how can we avoid any form of data loss when in a lot of circumstances the only answer is to wipe our system and start from fresh?

The answer to preventing data loss is incredibly simple: backup, backup, backup. You would however be simply amazed at how many computer users at home or work fail to follow this simple protocol when backup today is so simple.

External hard drives can be purchased in most computer shops now days and a quick search online for online backup will also give you a number of remote back up options.

So what options do you have to get your important or vital data back? If things seem really bad and saving the data is crucial, don’t take any risks and contact a data recovery specialist. They will have a whole host of solutions available to save your data and whilst it cannot be guaranteed, they do stand the best chance of success.

You can find more great advice on remote data backup and USB data recovery here.

Making the right choice in which data recovery company to work with can be a bit of a chore at an often crucial time, but getting it right is vitally important to ensure the best success rate.

The company that gets your vote should have dedicated Data recovery staff that are professionally trained for the required task

Data recovery and file restoration should be the main focus of their day to day activities and not a task that they undertake every once in a while when they get a job in.

A true data recovery lab will be able to successfully recover data from Servers, Laptop’s, Desktop’s, CD/DVD’s and all other types of storage media, not simply just from a failed hard drive

Top tier data recovery companies will be at the cutting edge and will be carrying out their own research and developments Changes to hard drive specifications or new tools are often unavailable so companies need to self develop.

If they are leaders in data solutions they should also be able to offer a full gamut of data recovery services including full server and raid recovery capabilities. If the company are an industry leader they will also offer a call out service as this is often a key requirement for server and raid data recovery.

Frighteningly some companies will only have a basic workbench to recover your data, you want to ensure at the very least they have a certified (preferably certified to ISO class 3 standards) clean room.

Most businesses also need to get their data back as soon as possible as downtime costs money so make sure that the company you work with don’t have to send your drive abroad if they don’t have their own lab facilities.

Suffering a data loss has been known to make a business go under but no matter how urgent the situation do your self and your business a favour and make sure you are giving your data to a company that has the best capability to get it back for you.