Data migrations, though seemingly straightforward, are fraught with risks and can lead to significant disruptions if not meticulously planned and executed. The 2018 TSB Bank incident exemplifies how unnoticed data inconsistencies, such as mismapped fields and incorrect type conversions, can compound over time, leading to crises like unauthorized transactions and incorrect balances. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to prioritize rigorous validation, automated monitoring, and performance optimization throughout the migration process. Pre-migration audits and dry-run tests help identify potential issues, while automated tools like Datafold's Data Migration Agent (DMA) ensure data integrity by validating every row and column before the final cutover. By catching errors early, organizations can avoid costly post-migration fixes and ensure that data remains accurate, reliable, and ready for strategic use. With a comprehensive strategy and automated validation in place, businesses can navigate migrations smoothly, avoiding pitfalls that could otherwise derail their data strategy.