It’s time to follow the 3-2-1 backup principle

Backups of your files are put in place for a scenario that you hope you never have to use. The problem with doing a backup is, you should never rely on a single means to keep a copy of your data. This is because the one day you can guarantee you need to use it due to an issue with the PC, the storage medium has broken/corrupted, or is no longer where you last put it.

So, whats our scenario here?

But, what should I backup?

When backing up your data, you only really need to consider important files. It is worth backing up:

• Documents,
• Pictures,
• Videos,
• Desktop files (not so much the program icons).

These will be the files that you require on the day-to-day and panic about if something goes wrong. There is no need to back up programs as they will need to be reinstalled on the computer anyway when it is repaired or replaced, and therefore would be a waste of storage space on your backup mediums.

Solution

The 3-2-1 backup principle stipulates that you should always consider 3 backups, on 2 separate Storage Mediums, with 1 being located offsite.

For the average person, this may be:

1. A copy of the data on your PC.
2. A copy of the data on an external hard drive or Network Attached Storage (NAS) stored somewhere in the property
3. A copy of the data on an external hard drive stored at a family or friend’s house, or even in your drawer at work.

Why do my backup mediums need to be kept off-site AND on-site?

On-site backups are quick because they can be restored as quickly as the storage mediums they’re on. This means it is effective for getting you back to work as soon as possible. However, let’s say that the worst happens and there is a house fire or geological phenomenon like a hurricane or flooding that destroys the media. The off-site media means you should always have a copy of your data even if the worst does happen, allowing you to recover and get back to work as soon as possible.