3-2-1 Backup Rule: Establish A Secure Data Backup

Updated on Dec 27, 2023 | by Kent

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What is 3-2-1 Backup?
Three copies or versions of data
Two different media or platforms
One Backup offsite
Why is the 3-2-1 Backup Rule Important?
Reliability
Availability
Security
How to Implement the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?
Method 1: Common Backup Software Methods
Method 2: Backup with NAS
Conclusion

The growing threats of ransomware, virus, and malware attacks have increased the importance of data backup. It not only saves your data from the negative impacts of the internet but also keeps it safe from accidental deletions, hardware failure, or other server accidents. The 3-2-1 backup rule is the heart of every robust data protection plan. It is the universally accepted strategy that most IT industries take nowadays. Keep reading this guide to know the 3-2-1 rule for data backup in detail.

What is 3-2-1 Backup?

US photographer Peter Krogh introduced the concept of 3-2-1 Backup. It was an innovation for the entire photographic world that further had profound implications for other technical disciplines. The rule is flexible and timeless. As per the 3-2-1 backup rule, three copies of the data should be stored on different platforms. Out of these three platforms, one copy of the data should be stored offline. Here we are with the complete details of the three elements for you.

Three copies or versions of data

Keeping three copies or versions of data over different periods makes it easier for the users to recover their lost data in case of accidents. A perfect backup system provides more than three copies of the backup data to keep your stored data safe throughout.

Two different media or platforms

It is always advised not to keep all copies of the data on the same media. Make sure to use different media platforms to keep your data safe throughout. You can save one copy of data in Disc Utility for use on your hard drive and can easily create two virtual volumes of data. Once done, you can quickly recover your data in case these drives fail. You are keeping data safe on a backup medium other than the original offers its extended-lasting access.

One Backup offsite

It is always advised to keep a physical copy of your stored data in a different location to keep it safe in case of an emergency. Keeping a backup file offside makes it easier for you to access it even if the server is out of the box. You can make use of the sources like a pen drive, DVD, hard drive, or SSD drive for securing your data physically.

Why is the 3-2-1 Backup Rule Important?

The 3-2-1 backup rule is one of the best strategies one could opt to keep the information secure throughout. The rule is being advised and used by different government authorities and security professionals. The strategy efficiently eliminates most of the risk from your data. It ensures your data's absolute performance and ensures that no single point is left behind for data failure. The rule helps you keep your data safe in case of corruption of any data files and physical situations like natural disasters or theft. Here are some of the most notable benefits this backup strategy offers you.

Reliability

The 3-2-1 backup rule is an assurance of reliability. It protects your data from viruses, malware attacks, ransomware, and other bugs. The strategy is used by different security professionals and government authorities, making it an even more reliable option.

Availability

The 3-2-1 backup data makes it easier for users to access it anywhere they want. Data saved is present in the cloud from where you can access it conveniently just by using the secure username and password.

Security

3-2-1 backup rule is an assurance of the security of your data. It backs up and stores your data on three different platforms, making it easily accessible whenever and wherever required.

How to Implement the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?

Not opting for the 3-2-1 backup strategy makes you prominent in cyber-attacks and data breaches. The level of loss becomes unbearable if it is associated with a business. While opting for your backup plan, make sure that it meets up the 3-2-1 backup rule standards or not. If not, you can conveniently opt for the cloud or other backup options.

Method 1: Common Backup Software Methods

If you search the Marketplace, you can easily find many backup software solutions to keep your data safe. Moreover, you can also backup your data on Google Drive and One Drive. To enable the same, you have to open up your device's Settings option, and once done; you have to go to the Google option followed by Backup. Once you find it tap on the Backup Now opportunity to initiate the backing process.

Method 2: Backup with NAS

Centralized storage, i.e., Network Attached Storage, is a brilliant idea to Backup your data ideally. It provides ample storage space on the local devices for Backup and keeps your data safe from disasters. NAS offers offsite data backup to the users. It is essential to data security as it holds on to sensitive data and effectively helps disaster recovery.

Steps to take a backup using NAS

These steps are common steps that apply to all NAS. However, there can be minor changes based on the NAS software and hardware you use.

Step 1: Install the NAS software on your PC, and connect the NAS to the same network as your computer. It will ensure the discovery of a backup location is quick.

Step 2: Launch the NAS backup software, and select the files you need to back up after the initial configuration.

Step 3: You can then configure a scheduled or one-time backup, depending on your need. Some software also offers encryption which adds an extra layer of security to your backup.

Step 4: Lastly, finalize the location on the NAS server or leave it as default. Initiate the backup and wait for it to complete.

Now that you know how to take a backup using NAS, you can effectively ensure NAS backup using different strategies such as:

Be diligent about updates

Updates work as a great help in the improvement of the NAS performance and help users in eliminating the vulnerabilities effectively. Keep checking for the updates and set the alarm if you find any over there.

Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication ensures users get access to your backup data or systems by authorized users only. It eliminates the risks of shared credentials and reduces the chances of theft.

Use HTTPS

Using HTTPS connections also adds up more to the data security. It assures that your data and requests are not intercepted or modified using the transfer. You need to opt for SSL certification to avail of HTTPS.

Firewall setup

It is another part of the security strategy that allows users to monitor and filter the traffic coming to their NAS, which only provides the connections between the approved contacts.

Conclusion

So, guys! It is all about the 3-2-1 backup rule. We all are concerned about data security, but maintaining the same at the higher levels is not possible for everyone. The guide features information about the 3-2-1 backup rule, why to opt for it, and its solutions. I hope you can now conveniently backup your preferred data and get access to it anytime you want.