Home / Technology / Microsoft Deletes 25 Years of Data After Account Hack
Microsoft Deletes 25 Years of Data After Account Hack
15 Jul
Summary
- Microsoft permanently suspended a user's account after unauthorized access.
- The user lost 25 years of data, including photos and purchased games.
- Experts recommend multiple backup solutions to prevent data loss.
A recent incident has highlighted the severe consequences of account compromise, as Microsoft permanently deleted a user's 25 years of stored data after their account was hacked. The user, Joshua Khane, reported losing irreplaceable photos of his infant son and thousands of Euros worth of game purchases.
Microsoft's response, detailed in an email, indicated that due to unauthorized access, the account was permanently suspended. The company stated that this action is irreversible and that even engineers cannot retrieve encrypted OneDrive files. This definitive stance left the user frustrated, questioning why a major company could not recover the data.
This event echoes similar experiences shared by other users online, prompting advice on creating new accounts and attempting data migration. However, the overarching lesson emphasizes the necessity of diversified backup solutions. Relying on a single cloud service like OneDrive is risky; users are advised to employ multiple backup methods, including local storage and off-site options, to safeguard against irreversible data loss.
To bolster security, experts also recommend enabling features like passkeys and multi-factor authentication, alongside using reputable password managers. These measures significantly reduce the likelihood of account compromise and subsequent data deletion, offering a more secure digital experience.
