3-2-1 Backup Rule

By: Kevin Hinterlong

The 3-2-1 backup rule is an easy way to implement a backup strategy to keep your data safe in case a failure should happen. These simple steps ensure that your data is properly backed up.

• Have at least three copies of your backed-up data:  Three copies of your backup data helps to ensure that there is no single point of failure.  Two local media types and one off-site in the cloud.
• Store the copies on two different media:  Having two physical media types used for your backups is important.  Whether it be USB drives, NAS devices, or any attached storage. Hardware fails, and having the redundancy of two local media types helps ensure a quick recovery.
• Keep one backup copy offsite:  Ideally, you will always be able to restore from one of your locally stored media devices, but in the case of a disaster having a copy of your data in the cloud is imperative.

An example of this 3-2-1 method in use is having one backup stored on a separated volume on your local disk array, one copy of that backup data on an external NAS device, and one more copy stored securely in the cloud.

It is extremely important that the data you are backing up is error-free and the backup jobs complete correctly.  Data integrity needs to be closely monitored and tested.  Testing needs to be a regular occurrence and should be done at least once a month.

Does your backup strategy fit the 3-2-1 rule? The Eder Casella Technology team is here to help you ensure that your data is safe.