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Causes of damage to data files

Library Systems Newsletter [November 1985]

Of all damage to machine-readable files resulting in financial loss, a significant majority is due to human error, omissions or accidents. Human error accounts for up to 60 percent of damage to files stored in computer systems according to research conducted for Datapro Research Corp. Intentional employee abuse accounts for another 20 percent of damage. Environmental threats, including fire, electrical, and water mishaps, account for between 10 and 15 percent of damage. Threats from outside hackers account for less than 3 percent of the loss.

While libraries should be conscious of security against physical damage and actions of outsiders, the greatest need apparently continues to be good training and supervision of staff to minimize errors and to guard against intentional abuse.

The report; "The Need for Security," was written by Carl B. Jackson, director of computer security for the Ford Aerospace and Communication Corp. To obtain copies of the report, contact Datapro Inquiry Service, 1805 Underwood Blvd., Delran, NJ 08075. (800) 257-9406.

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Publication Year:1985
Type of Material:Article
Language English
Published in: Library Systems Newsletter
Publication Info:Volume 5 Number 11
Issue:November 1985
Page(s):84
Publisher:American Library Association
Place of Publication:Chicago, IL
Notes:Howard S. White, Editor-in-Chief; Richard W. Boss and Judy McQueen, Contributing Editors
Company: DataPro
Subject: Computer security
ISSN:0277-0288
Record Number:4182
Last Update:2025-06-13 05:09:45
Date Created:0000-00-00 00:00:00
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