Critical data loss can hit organizations hard, but it’s also a good time for learning. A solution we recommend is automating backups. This ensures that you always have recent copies of your data without the manual effort. I would also emphasize the importance of high availability if your budget allows. Including regularly stress-testing standby nodes to make sure they can seamlessly take over when needed. Access control is another focus area. Review who has access to your databases, especially during offboarding, to ensure that former employees don’t retain access. Lastly, quarterly reviews of backup plans, DR tests, and access controls. This proactive approach helps identify vulnerabilities as they happen and keeps their data secure.

Here are a few points that we can apply to prevent data loss. ? Conduct a Root Cause Analysis to identify and fix vulnerabilities. ? Implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies of data, two on different media, one offsite. ? Strengthen cybersecurity measures like encryption, firewalls, and access controls. ? Regularly test disaster recovery plans to ensure data can be restored quickly. ? Provide training for employees on security best practices and handling sensitive data. ? Leverage AI-based tools to monitor and detect anomalies proactively. ? Perform regular audits to ensure compliance and identify gaps. ? Proactive planning is key to safeguarding data and minimizing risks.

Root cause analysis is your friend. After the initial chaos settles down, spend time calmly and thoroughly figuring out the exact cause. Once you find the root cause, take steps to eliminate the issue. Again, be calm and thorough. Do not rush to fix something; think about the best solution and implement. Monitoring job, updating pipelines, backing up source data are some of the possible solutions. Also understand that there is always something you will miss and this sort of thing is the unfortunate side effect of that lack of omniscience. Make sure that everyone learns from the experience so that something positive comes from it.

In addition to what the experts have mentioned, having the right infrastructure and reviewing it at regular intervals is most important. Additionally we need to have regular disaster recovery tests to ensure that the data that is being backed up or replicated is actually usable. Security and access control also play an important role in ensuring data integrity. Last but not the least ensure you patch all the servers regularly so that they are always in support.

follow the database vendor instructions whether your active-active active-standby backup / recovery. I know you know the rest of the story if it was a custom process or a hiccup with SDLC.