A curious incident took place at a data center. A client had brought a server for hosting, but was hit by an encryption virus. Seeking to restore data from a backup, the customer was surprised and frustrated that the hosting center did not have a backup on hand. The engineers explained the legal and technical difficulties of making a backup without permission, but their explanations fell on deaf ears. Despite their best efforts to salvage some of the data, the customer was still unhappy and left without paying.



This story underscores the importance of having regular backups in place to guard against data loss. Unfortunately, even with backups, unexpected events like lightning strikes or cyberattacks can still cause irreparable damage. It's essential to stay vigilant and keep up-to-date backups as insurance against these risks.

Some people tend to justify unpleasant situations by claiming that they trusted professionals who failed them. But not all services and professionals are created equal, especially if customers refuse additional services, set up backups themselves, and forget to monitor them. Ideally, hosting providers should dispose of the data and overwrite disks after a lease ends, but customers should also take responsibility for protecting their data.

To avoid data loss, it's important to make and check backups, carefully read contracts, set up autopayments, and communicate with accounting departments. It's also good practice to ask providers about backups and how they work with debtors. While an individual approach is preferred, automated alerts and SMS notifications can help ensure timely payments. Ultimately, taking responsibility and being proactive can go a long way in preventing data loss.

About 9 years ago, there was a fire that destroyed a data center. I recall one individual who had rented a server complaining about the situation. He said, "The server completely crashed and as I checked the temperature sensor, it was creeping up to 100 instead of the optimal 20."


Data loss due to fires or natural disasters can be a significant issue for businesses that rely on data centers to store their important information. It is crucial for companies to have backup plans in place to protect their data from irreparable damage.

If the temperature sensor on the server indicates 75 degrees, it could indicate that the fan is obstructed. However, anything above that temperature could potentially lead to a fire.

It is critical for businesses to routinely monitor their server rooms and data centers to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and within safe temperature ranges. Neglecting to do so could result in costly damage and data loss.

Opting to rent a server instead of purchasing and installing your own physical server is a popular and cost-effective solution in modern practice. In fact, renting a dedicated VDS server from a reputable hosting company eliminates the need for expensive hardware and accessories, as well as providing professional maintenance and technical support.

When choosing a supplier, it is important to ensure that they prioritize data security and overall performance. Reliable suppliers provide round-the-clock technical support and top-notch maintenance of physical servers. The added benefit of free technical support makes this option an even more attractive solution for businesses looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The incident at the data center illustrates several key lessons in data backup and management that should be emphasized for both clients and providers.

Firstly, it's vital to acknowledge that data loss can occur due to a myriad of unforeseen circumstances, including hardware failures, natural disasters, and, notably, malware attacks like encryption viruses. This unpredictability underscores the necessity for regular, automated backups that are easily recoverable. Ideally, these backups should be stored in multiple locations – often referred to as a 3-2-1 strategy: three total copies of your data, two of which are local but on different devices, and one copy off-site.

Transparency in communication between hosting providers and clients is essential. Clients should fully understand the agreements they enter, including the specifics around data backup policies. A thorough review of service contracts, including backup provisions, recovery time objectives, and data retention policies, can prevent misunderstandings. Hosting specialists must provide clear and accessible guidelines regarding what is included in their services, as well as additional options that may require extra fees, like enhanced backup solutions.

Additionally, the responsibility for data management should not solely rest with the hosting provider. While clients may trust their providers to manage and protect their data, it's imperative that they take an active role in this relationship. Clients should ensure they have their own backup plans in place, whether through third-party services or by utilizing built-in options provided by the host. Regularly monitoring these systems and understanding how to access backups in case of emergencies can prove invaluable.

On the technological side, employing robust security protocols is crucial. Hosting services should implement strong encryption, firewalls, and regular security audits to minimize the risk of cyberattacks. It's also a good practice to educate clients about cybersecurity best practices, helping them recognize potential threats and the importance of maintaining strong passwords and updating software regularly.

Lastly, an emphasis on automated systems can streamline everything from payments to backup notifications. Clients should explore options for setting up these systems to alleviate the risk of missed payments, which can lead to loss of services and, consequently, data. Automated alerts regarding backup status or payment due dates can enhance accountability on both sides.
The relationship between clients and hosting providers revolves around shared responsibility. Both parties must work collaboratively to establish a reliable and secure data management strategy. By understanding their respective roles, maintaining open lines of communication, and investing in robust backup solutions, clients and providers can significantly reduce the risk of data loss and foster a more trustworthy partnership in the ever-evolving digital age.