How to prevent data loss in RAID arrays?

by Techchef Data Recovery Techchef Data Recovery

Since the RAID was introduced, the concept of keeping and managing storage systems and storing the required data has drastically shifted. RAID arrays provide a large amount of storage capacity and a reliable storage system and are widely preferable in large organisations.

Different RAID levels provide different protection mechanisms against data loss. You must know that RAID is not a backup, and you can lose your data, in severe cases, due to physical failure of one or more hard disks, obsolete RAID level, RAID inaccessible, or anything could be possible; we cannot be 100% sure that RAID will be free from Data loss attacks. Therefore, it's always wise to prepare yourself against any Data loss. If you are not aware of the RAID data protection, everything that you need to know about the RAID data storage protection is here. This article will help you to understand thoroughly.

The RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) integrates many different physical hard disks that together create the RAID. It has various levels that depend on its configuration, like RAID levels 0, 1, 5,6, 10, etc. RAID was introduced to manage the storage system and store large amounts of data together, which provides a maximum percentage of keeping the data safe.

RAID configuration distributes data over all disks because the RAID is one single disk to the operating system. Even though the RAID data has certain protection mechanisms against data loss, it is always a wise choice to prepare yourself against any catastrophic situation and at least consider the following tips to prevent data loss in a RAID array :

1. Backup:

Having a backup is nice to have and must to have for everyone. Whether or not you face a data loss situation, having a backup ready is always a safer option. Many business organisations use RAID storage systems and store their entire data. RAID is a storage system, not a backup. Hence, you must prepare yourself against serious issues that can cause damage to your data. Take precautions beforehand, like keeping your Backup data up-to-date, having an online backup system, or storing your data in the best device or tool you prefer.

2. Appropriate RAID array:

Choosing an appropriate RAID array is a big question in itself. There are different mechanical features in different RAID levels, like:

RAID 1 is widely known as mirrored disks. It allows the drive to contain two or more identical data. One of the best advantages of RAID 1 is that a single drive failure won't result in a complete RAID data failure or corruption.

RAID 3 is a striped set with dedicated parity. The data is equally divided into two or more drives. Additionally, it is a high-speed drive for reading and writing operations. If multiple commands are given to RAID 3 simultaneously, it may not perform smoothly.

RAID 5 is striped disks with distributed parity. It is large in size, high in speed, and redundant. Due to its features, it allows users to work hassle-free on multiple instructions simultaneously.

RAID 10 is a striped set of mirrored parity. In RAID 10, four drives are attached and made into two striped mirrors. RAID 10 is both a redundant and high-speed array. Due to its exclusive features, it is a wider choice among users.

Generally, RAID doesn't fail due to its high mechanical protection, but in some cases, it has been seen that the majority of times, it fails due to hardware or software failure. As we have discussed above, choosing the right RAID array configuration is important.

3. Prevention from Hard disk failure:

Having protected Hard Disks is always a better option. If your business organisation's data is stored in a single RAID storage system, then hard disk failure is most likely due to high storage volume.

Prepare yourself before it's too late to recover the damage. Therefore, it is necessary to check and monitor the working condition of the hard drives often. If one hard drive in a RAID 5 fails, replacing it would be a good option to do at that time. Repairing it or waiting too long to replace it can cause data loss. Additionally, contact recovery experts for better assistance.

4. Avoid DIY hacks or Recovery software:

You will come across many DIY and softwares that are available all over the internet; preferably, do not consider these shortcut tips and tricks for your important critical data. You may end up losing all your important data. Using software and DIY hacks may have been proven successful in some cases, but it is ineffective in complex situations as all cases' requirements are different. You may not know the severity of your RAID failure, and while trying these methods, your data got corrupted or disappeared. Hence, expert consultation would be better to prevent a data loss situation.

5. Have Antivirus and Malware protection :

Saving your devices from viruses and malware attacks is one important task, as the technology grows daily for the different kinds of viruses. Virus and malware attacks can cause logical and file system errors in a RAID array and lead to RAID inaccessibility or corruption of RAID data.

Antivirus protection and reliable malware software will ensure protection against such cases of RAID failures and keep your RAID array virus and malware attack free. Frequent virus and malware checks and up-to-date antivirus are important to prevent data loss situations in RAID arrays.

Conclusion:

Having discussed all the necessary preventive measures, act as quickly as possible if you ever suspect RAID failure. The more you wait to repair it, the more complicated it becomes to recover data once a data loss happens. It's not just the RAID arrays but several storage devices, also. So without wasting your time, go for expert consultation. Reliable and trustworthy expert advice would be good.

For experienced professional solutions, who would be better than us? Contact Raid server Recovery, which provides expertise and the safest solution for your data recovery. We claim what we are good at. If you have any doubt about our words, check here and get to know yourself.