Return To 12/95 Prototype Edition Index
Fire destroys over £1.5 million every day. Half of affected companies go out of business due to loss of trading information.
In today's business world, the majority of company information, sales ledgers, purchase orders and stock records are stored on sensitive, easily damaged computer disks and tapes.
Manufacturers recommend that computer media is not exposed to temperatures over 40 degrees centigrade and humidities over 85%. This means there are numerous potential hazards. A hot cup of coffee for example will cause serious damage to computer media. A fire could destroy the whole business.
Removing back-up copies from site exposes data to various problems of physical handling and may be inappropriate for confidential information. Fire safes protect documents. They are not suitable for computer media, so how can this vital information be safeguarded ?
The answer is a data cabinet, which protects computer media from all the risks posed to your data.
These cabinets, constructed to withstand a sustained fire, have been tested rigorously.
Free-standing data cabinets are usually sited next to the computer of work station for ease of access. This is ideal for data required frequently.
Some companies are now backing-up their data every 15 minutes during the working day. However, it is outside office hours when business premises are most vulnerable. How can the data be secured permanently with access restricted to routine maintenance?
One answer is that back-up files should be recorded automatically, in a fire-safe area on site with suitable software managing the system, operator error is removed and the data is safe from a major fire at any time.
Your insurance will probably not cover loss of trading information. If disaster strikes companies must protect themselves. Premises can be replaced but the viability of a business relies on vital information surviving the fire.
Andy Dunkleyis a Security Expert, and has a background in locksmithing and bespoke carpentry. As a security consultant, he has developed a keen interest in data security systems. Return To Text
