R&D Companies and Data Loss!

Huge sums of money are invested because without research and development we will remain stagnant. Data defines the functioning of R&D and, therefore, plays an integral role. Data loss in the field of R&D can be devastating and affect progress in a big way.

Leveraging Information Technology

The whole process of research and development is expansive in nature. From the point of conceptualising to recording, sharing and finally developing, data plays a key role. Information technology has helped R&D to happen at a rapid pace and explore newer territories. Data sharing also increases idea input globally and doesn’t restrict it to a time and a place. Ideas which may have seemed too futuristic have found a voice through information technology. The basic premise of technology is that it pushes all barriers and increases possibilities.

Data, being the defining feature of information technology, has become the cornerstone of R&D. One can go as far as saying that in the current scenario, if there was no data, there would be no R&D. Research analysts, whatever their field of expertise maybe, use information technology to enhance their work. Just like the average user creates, shares and stores data, in the same way, R&D experts create, share and store data. However, in this case, the value of the data can run into millions of dollars.

Preventing Hackers

Since millions and billions of dollars ride on the data that R&D companies create, security is of paramount importance. One constantly hears of attempts to hack into R&D data. The greatest risk for companies which work with proprietary information and intellectual property is former employees, domestic competitors, foreign competitors and on-site contractors. Considering security threats from different quarters it isn’t surprising that over the years companies have reported incredible losses.

In the US each reported incident of data loss from R&D companies has been valued around $ 400,000. This is a conservative estimate as some companies do not like to report huge data losses as it might affect their standing. Preventing hackers has become a high priority with R&D companies. It has been acknowledged by the Chamber of Commerce that electronic thieves were hurting businesses especially in the area of R&D. There is a huge difference between companies which invest in cyber security and those which don’t.

Steps To Curtail Cyber Crime

While R&D companies are susceptible to data loss due to human negligence and natural disasters, cyber thieves prove to be their biggest worry. Since they take their backup very seriously, it is only hackers that can leave them with great losses. Authorities advise R&D companies to follow a few guidelines so cyber security can be maximised.

R&D companies are encouraged to share information about losses, so that investigators understand the full nature of the problem and the extent of loss.

If companies centralise their loss reporting systems, it would ensure that comprehensive data can be gathered and can be reported.

Since R&D companies are valued for their data, they must set up a system to evaluate intellectual property.

It is important that all R&D companies take steps to monitor all the information that is shared and transferred by employees. Encryption codes are almost mandatory for R&D companies.

Data Recovery

As mentioned above, R&D companies cannot afford to lose data. The consequences of data loss are too devastating to imagine. In the event that data loss does occur, despite all the precautionary measures that are taken, R&D companies need to call in forensic investigators. Most companies call in private forensic experts because they do not want the losses reported.

Computer forensics is the examination of computers made during a criminal investigation.

Forensic experts trace the history of the data by checking the saved files, the deleted files and meta data. This usually gives them some clues as to how the data could have been stolen or sabotaged. If data has been lost due to human error, technical error or natural disasters, data recovery experts will take the storage media, to a Clean Room and carry out a painstaking recovery process. Data recovery is a highly specialised process and has to be carried out in specific conditions to prevent permanent data loss.

Conclusion

R&D companies, the world over, understand the importance of preventing data loss. There are constant efforts to safeguard data to the maximum possible extent. However, despite all efforts, data loss can occur, which is why data recovery companies are constantly in demand.

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and Computer Forensics see http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk