The 3-2-1 backup is a reliable recovery methodology for ensuring that data is protected adequately and backup copies of the data are available when needed. The basic concept of the 3-2-1 backup strategy is that three copies are made of the data to be protected, the copies are stored on two different types of storage media and one copy of the data is sent offsite.
In the classic 3-2-1 backup scenario, backup software makes a copy of the company’s critical data and saves the copy to another on-premises storage device. During that process or immediately afterward, two more copies of the data are saved to two other devices—traditionally at least one of those devices was a tape library. Tape was a standard part of the process because it made it easy to create a portable copy of the data in the form of a tape cartridge that could easily be sent offsite.
Although the 3-2-1 backup approach has been around since the early days of data protection, it is a concept that is still embraced by most backup software and hardware vendors as a best practice for using their products effectively. They recognize that the general concept is still valid regardless of how or where a company stores its data, even as new requirements and voluminous data have made the 3-2-1 equation a bit more complicated.
3-2-1 backup rules
The 3-2-1 backup strategy is made up of three rules, they are as follows:
- Three copies of data- This includes the original data and at least two backups.
- Two different storage types- Both copies of the backed up data should be kept on two separate storage types to minimize the chance of failure. Storage types could include an internal hard drive, external hard drive, removable storage drive or cloud backup environment.
- One copy offsite- At least one data copy should be stored in an offsite or remote location to ensure that natural or geographical disasters cannot affect all data copies.
Importance of the 3-2-1 rule
The 3-2-1 backup strategy is recognized as a best practice for information security professionals and government authorities. While it does not guarantee all data will never be compromised, this strategy eliminates the most risk. The 3-2-1 methodology is important in ensuring that there is no single point of failure for data. Not only is an organization covered if one copy is corrupted or a technology fails, but also if a natural disaster or theft occurs that wipes out the physical storage types.
3-2-1 backup management
There are some basic managerial fundamentals for a successful 3-2-1 backup implementation, including:
- All data copies are identical and up to date.
- The media that copies are on is readable media.
- All copies and equipment are tested and confirmed to be in working order.
- Remote copies are stored safely.
- Plans to recover single/multiple files or a full backup have been tested.
- Internal data copies are on different storage systems and networks, and are not accessible from outside the company.
The backup software used in the 3-2-1 process can be very helpful as it can automatically direct the disposition of backup copies while cataloging all backup activities. Most backup apps have also added features to check for threats such as malware, ransomware and viruses in backup copies.
If your company is in need of a backup solution, or simply looking for someone to manage your backups, contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
