A number of situations could occur that might result in the loss of data. A computer or hard drive failure could make data irretrievable. Theft of a computer system could also cause you to lose information. A virus or malware introduced onto a computer could erase a hard drive or prevent you from accessing it. Even a physical event such as a fire or a flood could lead to computer damage, which would prevent you from accessing files on your computer. Imagine the personal or professional hardship you might experience if suddenly your computer system became inoperable and you cannot access information you had stored on your computer. For a business, this situation could be a professional disaster. On a personal level, the loss of personal correspondence, documents, and photographs could be devastating. Duplicating or backing up computer data prevents hardships and mishaps from occurring in the event of technological failure.