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What is 3-2-1 Backup Rule to Protect Your Data?

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What is 3-2-1 Backup Rule to Protect Your Data?
Photo: Sasun Bughdaryan / Unsplash

You don’t want to lose all your files with a part of digital life. Hard disk failures, software errors or cyber attacks may occur at any time. Here at this point 3-2-1 backup rule is activated and offers a practical framework to protect your data.

This rule is based on three simple principles:

-3 copies: You must store at least 3 separate copies from your original files. You need to have at least 3 versions, including main files, primary backup and secondary backup.

  • 2 Use different media types: Store your backups in different types of storage. For example, one on your computer (inner disc), the other may be in an external hard drive and third cloud storage.

-1 copy hold in a different location: Your minimum backup copy should be physically in another position. This protects against disasters such as fire or natural disasters in the house.

In practice this strategy can be applied as follows: Backup files on your computer to an external SSD, automatically synchronize to cloud service (such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Backblaze) and periodically get a offline backup more. Each layer has a certain purpose: quick access, local backup and remote protection.

This system makes data loss almost impossible and allows you to restore your files in any disaster scenario. Regardless of the technical level of information, 3-2-1 rule is an appropriate backup strategy to everyone.