The 3-2-1 backup rule is a simple, widely used guide to protecting your data. It says you should keep three copies of your data, on two different types of storage, with one copy held offsite.
Three copies
Your live data counts as the first copy. You then keep at least two backups. If one copy is lost or damaged, you still have others to fall back on.
Two different types of storage
Keeping copies on different types of storage, such as a local disk and cloud storage, means a single fault or failure type cannot take out every copy at once.
One copy offsite
If a fire, flood or theft affects your premises, a local backup can be lost along with your live data. An offsite copy, held in a UK data centre, is what lets you recover from a site-wide disaster.
Does the rule still work?
Yes, and it is worth adding a modern twist. Ransomware can reach any backup that is connected to your network, so many businesses now keep one copy that cannot be changed or deleted, known as an immutable copy. Testing your restores regularly completes the picture.
Putting it into practice
- Keep your live data and one local backup
- Send a second backup to a UK-hosted cloud service
- Choose an immutable option for the offsite copy
- Test a restore every few months
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