BSI ID: G 0.45

Data loss is an event that results in a data set no longer being usable as required (loss of availability). A common form of data loss is the accidental or unauthorised deletion of data, for example through operator error, malfunctions, power failures, contamination or malware. However, data loss can also result from damage, loss or theft of devices or data carriers.

This risk is often particularly high for mobile devices and mobile data carriers. It should also be noted that many mobile IT systems are not always online. The data stored on these systems is therefore not always up to date. When data is synchronised between mobile IT systems and stationary IT systems, data loss can occur due to carelessness or malfunction.

Examples:

• The PDA falls out of your shirt pocket and smashes on the tiles, a mobile phone is fetched by the dog instead of the newspaper, unfortunately with consequences. Such and similar events are the cause of many total losses of data on mobile devices.

• There are malicious programs that deliberately delete data on infected IT systems. Some malware does not execute the deletion function immediately upon infection, but only when a defined event occurs, for example when the system clock reaches a certain date.

• Many Internet services can be used to store information online. If the password is forgotten and not stored, it may no longer be possible to access the stored information unless the service provider offers a suitable procedure for resetting the password.

• Hard disks and other mass storage media have a limited service life. If no suitable redundancy measures are taken, technical defects can lead to data loss.