4 Problems Still Facing Rugged Data Storage

Most data storage devices on the market are relatively reliable, but only if kept from getting too hot or cold and in a vibration-free place.

In contrast, rugged data storage devices are among the toughest available. Preferred by military personnel and others who regularly encounter demanding environments, these tech tools can withstand extreme temperatures, plus shocks and vibrations.

Below, we’ll look at four things that still make efficient use of rugged data difficult.

1. Storage-Related Delays Compromise Real-Time Intelligence Decisions

One of the primary reasons why the military uses rugged data is because it’s necessary to make in-the-moment decisions that could affect national or international security.

There is a huge surplus of data, and delays in processing or storing it could lead to outdated intelligence. To stay competitive, today’s providers of rugged data devices must ensure they meet the fast-paced demands of people who require them while making time-sensitive judgments.

2. Next-Generation Flight Data Recorders Are Expensive

Flight recorders, also known as aerospace data recorders, are the most commonly used pieces of equipment that transmit real-time data during air travel. They are part of a booming sector projected to be worth more than $2 million by 2025, up from a market value that was just over 1.4 million in 2016. Manufacturers are keeping pace by creating next-generation flight data recorders with costly components.

However, those newest flight recorders are so comparatively expensive that those who purchase them decide to simply go with older models.

The prohibitively high cost has resulted in a reduced demand for the extremely advanced options. Unless the next-gen recorders can somehow become more financially feasible, they won’t be appealing to many buyers.

3. Third-Party Providers May Not Employ Rugged Data Storage

Entities in high-profile industries, including those discussed above, often make agreements with third-party contractors for speciality services. Even when clients regularly depend on rugged data storage options, the same is not true for all contractor companies.

Ensuring that contractors provide secure access to rugged data via web portals or another secure service will be crucial for the industry to move forward.

4. Storage Devices Are Tempting Targets For Hackers

Temperature extremes and jolting environments aren’t the only challenges manufacturers of rugged data products have to bear in mind.

Hackers are potential threats, too. Cybercriminals often love the notoriety associated with what they do and frequently orchestrate attacks that are as damaging as possible to prolific victims or large numbers of people simultaneously.

Think of the payoff a hacker could get by breaking into records stored on rugged hard drives filled with data about a country’s planned military procedures or missions that had already occurred.

Government hacks aren’t out of the question, either. In fact, a major incident associated with the U.S. Department of Defense occurred only a few years ago. Hundreds of military members had their details stolen, and the victimized organization spent $628,000 to correct the matter.

The hacker admitted completing the attack using a program that helped him secure unauthorized access to the contents. Because of the high stakes associated with such materials, people who build rugged data products must work harder than ever to make sure they are as safe from infiltrators as possible.

Data breaches are problems that will always remain partially unresolved since hackers typically stay up to date on the latest technologies and are often ahead of the curve.

However, it’s likely the companies that can prove they’ve made gains in making rugged data products more secure will be well equipped to succeed in the marketplace.

The four issues we’ve explored here should provide clarification about some of the most pressing obstacles in the rugged data industry. Overcoming these and others could lead to impressive progress.