Do You Understand the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?

There’s no getting around the fact that data backup and disaster recovery are paramount to the survival of any business. Thankfully, the 3-2-1 rule makes implementing effective data recovery practices easy. Let’s look at this process and how you can do so.

Explaining the 3-2-1 Rule

Here’s how the 3-2-1 rule works:

  • Three copies – Have three versions of your data, including the original.
  • Two types of storage – Use at least two different types of storage (like one copy in the cloud and another on your computer’s network).
  • One copy stored elsewhere – Keep one copy somewhere else, like a cloud service or a data center, so it’s safe even if something happens locally.

With the 3-2-1 rule in place, your business will have the bare minimum effective standards for data backup and disaster recovery. We recommend you adjust these standards, including storage places and additional security measures, according to your needs.

The 3-2-1 Rule In Practice

All businesses should follow the 3-2-1 rule, regardless of industry.

Not only does it allow for multiple copies of your data (redundancy), but it also makes data accessible from various locations should the need arise. Your data can be safely stored in the cloud even if your office is destroyed or inaccessible. Similarly, if the cloud fails, you have a data backup stored on-site where you can easily deploy it.

And don’t forget to test backups—there’s nothing worse than expecting a smooth recovery and then being ambushed by a corrupted or incomplete backup.

We Can Help with Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

You shouldn’t gamble on data backup and disaster recovery; with White Mountain IT Services, you’ll never have to. To get started with your own 3-2-1 rule and more comprehensive strategies that will guarantee your business’ survival in the face of adversity, call us at (603) 889-0800 today.

White Mountain IT

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