Data loss usually occurs due to human error, which can be data theft and hacking and improper maintenance. Viruses including natural and manmade disasters also contribute to causes. Physical and logical errors constitute a small part of data loss failures. In fact, companies devote entire departments to study the possible causes of data loss. Accordingly data security measures and preventive methodologies are developed.

A company has to protect its two important assets of data and time. The two assets are inter-linked. The more time data loss prevails in a company, more overall tangible and intangible losses are incurred by the company. In short, losing access to data means losing time and profit. Thus, data security is paramount. The consequences of data loss are devastating. Tangible and intangible losses all lead to a dwindling of company profit. This may lead to permanent closure of the company.