Importance-based data storage verification

Abstract

Methods and systems for detecting error in data storage entities based at least in part on importance of data stored in the data storage entities. In an embodiment, multiple verification passes may be performed on a data storage entity comprising one or more data blocks. Each data block may be associated with a probability indicating the likelihood that the data block is to be selected for verification. During each verification pass, a subset of the data blocks may be selected based at least in part on the probabilities associated with the data blocks. The probabilities may be adjusted, for example, at the end of a verification pass, based on importance factors such as usage and verification information associated with the data blocks. The probabilities may be updated to facilitate timely detection of important data blocks. Additionally, error mitigation and/or correction routines may be performed in light of detected errors.