Editing Data loss (section)

{{Short description|Error condition in information systems}}
'''Data loss''' is an error condition in [[information system]]s in which information is destroyed by failures (like failed spindle motors or [[head crash]]es on hard drives) or neglect (like mishandling, careless handling or storage under unsuitable conditions) in [[Computer data storage|storage]], [[data transmission|transmission]], or [[data processing|processing]]. Information systems implement [[backup]] and [[IT disaster recovery|disaster recovery]] equipment and processes to prevent data loss or [[Data recovery|restore]] lost data.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Managing catastrophic loss of sensitive data : a guide for IT and security professionals|last=Constantine.|first=Photopoulos|date=2008|publisher=Syngress|isbn=9781597492393|location=Rockland, Mass.|oclc=228148168}}</ref> Data loss can also occur if the physical medium containing the data is lost or stolen. 

Data loss is distinguished from data unavailability, which may arise from a [[network outage]]. Although the two have substantially similar consequences for users, data unavailability is temporary, while data loss may be permanent. Data loss is also distinct from [[data breach]], an incident where data falls into the wrong hands, although the term data loss has been used in those incidents.<ref>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.asd.gov.au/publications/protect/data_spill_management_guide.htm
 | title = Data Spill Management Guide
 | date = December 24, 2014
 | access-date = January 23, 2015
 | website = asd.gov.au
 | quote = A data spill is sometimes referred to as unintentional information disclosure or a data leak.
 | archive-date = January 23, 2015
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150123191049/http://www.asd.gov.au/publications/protect/data_spill_management_guide.htm
 | url-status = dead
 }}</ref>