Backups! As Simple as 3-2-1

It is vital to your organization’s business continuity to establish a routine for backing up your data regularly.  Automated backup solutions, whether using cloud services or local storage, can simplify this process and ensure that your backups are up to date. Set a schedule that suits your needs and enables you to restore your data to a recent state if necessary.

Currently the best practice for backups is called the “3-2-1” method.

The 3-2-1 methodology of backups is a simple and effective approach to data backups that provides redundancy and safeguards against data loss. It consists of the following steps:

3 Copies of Your Data

Create and maintain three copies of your important data. This means having the original data and two additional copies.  Having multiple copies reduces the risk of losing data in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, ransomware attacks or other unforeseen events.

2 Different Storage Medias

Store the copies of your data on at least two different types of storage media. For example, you might have one copy on your computer's internal hard drive and another on an external hard drive, network-attached storage (NAS), or cloud storage. This helps protect against failures or issues specific to a single storage medium.

1 Copy Stored Offsite

Keep at least one of the backup copies in an offsite location, separate from the primary data and the other backup. Storing a backup offsite protects against disasters that could affect your primary location, such as fire, theft, or natural calamities. Offsite locations can be physical locations like another building or your home if you're keeping a backup at work, or it can be a cloud-based backup service. Additionally, maintaining offline backups, disconnected from the network, can protect against ransomware attacks that target online storage.  Choose reputable providers that offer robust security measures, including encryption at rest and in transit.

The 3-2-1 methodology ensures that you have redundancy, both in terms of the number of copies and the storage media, and it safeguards against various scenarios that could lead to data loss. By following this approach, you enhance the chances of recovering your important data even in the face of unexpected events or failures.

Remember to regularly test your backups and periodically review and update your backup strategy to account for any changes in your data storage requirements or technology.  Regularly perform trial restores to ensure that your backups are working correctly and that you can recover your information when needed. This practice allows you to address any issues promptly and avoid unpleasant surprises during critical situations.

Document and Update Backup Procedures

Document your backup procedures and ensure they are easily understandable for yourself and any other relevant parties. This documentation should include information about the backup schedule, storage locations, restoration processes, and contact details for support if needed. Regularly review and update these procedures to reflect any changes in your data environment.

Remember, data loss can occur unexpectedly and lead to significant consequences. By implementing these best practices, you can minimize the risks and ensure the availability and integrity of your important information.