Why you need a 3-2-1 backup strategy

We all know that the value of a good backup means your data is safe from accidental loss, but what if something happens to your backup?  

A 3-2-1 backup strategy is an even more robust strategy to protect your data, and is recommended by professionals as the best way to keep your data safe no matter what happens. 

Knowing how to backup your computer is an important first step. Your system OS should make the backup process easy. Windows Backup and macOS Time Machine are simple, user-friendly programs that will seamlessly transfer your files onto another device. Cloud services such as Dropbox or OneDrive also offer real-time data sync to eliminate unnecessary manual activity.  

See our article on how to back up a computer to an external hard drive for more guidance. 

A 3-2-1 backup strategy means saving three copies of your data on two different mediums, and keeping at least one of these off-site. Let’s break down why this is effective. 

Your primary desktop or laptop computer counts as one of your copies. Your additional copies could be on an internal hard drive, an external hard drive, a network storage device, a cloud backup, or even an archive to optical disc.  

How it keeps your data safe: Having at least three copies means that if something happens to your main data storage, you will have more than one backup you can store from. If the unlikely happens and two of your data sources are damaged, you will still be able to restore from your third backup. The risk of all three backups being compromised is extremely small. 

Backing up your data to different devices provides additional protection. If you have an isolated copy of your data, it will be safe from any accidents that affect your primary machine. A power surge could damage the electrical components inside a computer and compromise any backups made to an internal drive.  

Different devices could mean an external drive, an optical drive (like a backup made to a DVD or CD), a NAS, or Network Attached Storage, or a cloud backup such as Dropbox. Data backed up to an internal drive should not count as a different device. If you lose your laptop with two drives, you will still lose both copies of your data.   

How it keeps your data safe: Storing your data on different devices means you are better protected against damage like power surges or spills, which could destroy electronic components. A copy of your data stored on an external removable device and locked away in a safe place, means you are better protected against theft.  

You can even go one better and store your data on different mediums for extra protection. A backup copy made to DVD will be safe against a power surge or spilled water. An SSD is more likely to survive a fall than a hard disk drive. 

The last rule is to keep at least one of your backup copies in a different location. The simplest way to do this is by using a cloud backup provider, but an external hard drive stored in a different building is equally good.  

How it keeps your data safe: Keeping your backup data in a different location means it is protected from more significant, but less likely events. Theft could mean all your computer hardware is lost at once. Likewise, a disaster like a fire or a flood could damage a whole building, putting all your data at risk if your backups are stored in one place.  

A copy of your data which is completely separate from your daily computer will also protect you from hacking. No matter what happens to your laptop, a hard drive in a closet in a different house can’t be hacked. 

Multiple copies of your data across multiple devices and locations keeps your data secure even if a disaster strikes. Accidental deletions, hackers, spills, drops, and theft are all real risks, and old hard drives don’t last forever.   

A combination of multiple backup hard drives and cloud storage is an effective combination which will give you a robust and reliable backup strategy. By following these backup tips, you will give yourself the best possible chance of mitigating or avoiding data loss.  

If you are considering an NVMe SSD as a backup drive, the Crucial System Scanner will help you find a list of compatible upgrades.