The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy
The traditional backup rule that has protected data for decades. Learn how the simple 3-2-1 approach works and why it remains a solid foundation for any backup plan.
What is the 3-2-1 Rule?
The 3-2-1 backup strategy is the time-tested approach that forms the backbone of reliable data protection. Simple to understand and implement, it covers the essential bases for keeping your data safe.
3
Copies
of your data
2
Different
media types
1
Offsite
location
Breaking Down Each Component
3 Copies of Your Data
Keep three total copies: your working data plus two backups. This protects against drive failures, accidental deletion, and other common data loss scenarios.
- Original data on your main system
- First backup copy (often local for quick recovery)
- Second backup copy (typically stored offsite)
2 Different Media Types
Store your backups on different kinds of storage media. This prevents losing everything to a single type of failure or technology problem.
- Local hard drives or SSDs
- Cloud storage or remote servers
- NAS devices
- Tape storage
- External USB drives
1 Offsite Copy
Keep at least one backup away from your main location. This protects against fires, floods, theft, or other disasters that could hit your primary site.
How remote-backups.com Supports Your 3-2-1 Setup
remote-backups.com handles the offsite component of your 3-2-1 strategy. We make it simple to store backups away from your main location without the complexity of managing remote infrastructure.
Popular Integration Options:
- Proxmox Backup Server: Direct backup to our storage
- Borg Backup: Encrypted, space-efficient backups
- rsync: Simple file synchronization
- Custom scripts: SSH access for any backup tool
Why Choose remote-backups.com:
- Own infrastructure: We run our own servers, not generic cloud storage
- German hosting: EU data protection standards
- Fair pricing: €10/TB monthly, 100GB free to start
- Reliable hardware: Enterprise equipment in certified facilities
- Easy setup: Works with standard backup tools
Simple 3-2-1 Example
- Local backup (external drive or NAS)
- Offsite backup to remote-backups.com
- Different storage: Local drives + remote servers
Getting Started with 3-2-1
Step 1: Local Backup
Set up regular backups to local storage:
- External USB drive
- Network attached storage (NAS)
- Second internal drive
This gives you quick access for restoring files.
Step 2: Offsite Backup
Add remote storage to the mix:
- Cloud storage services
- Remote backup servers
- Offsite tape storage
Protects against local disasters and theft.
Backup Schedule
- Daily for important files
- Weekly for less critical data
- Test restores monthly
- Document your procedures
Security Basics
- Encrypt sensitive data
- Use strong passwords
- Keep access logs
- Update backup software regularly
Limitations of the Traditional 3-2-1 Rule
While 3-2-1 covers the basics well, modern threats have exposed some gaps in this traditional approach:
Ransomware Risk
Online backups can be encrypted by malware if they're always connected to your network.
Silent Corruption
Without regular verification, you might not notice corrupted backups until it's too late.
Common 3-2-1 Implementation Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Counting wrong: Don't count sync or RAID as separate copies
- Same location: All backups in the same building isn't enough
- Same technology: Using only one type of storage medium
- No testing: Never checking if restores actually work
- Irregular backups: Skipping backup runs or schedules
- Outdated backups: Not keeping up with data changes
Ready for Enhanced Protection?
The 3-2-1 rule is a great start, but you have options to strengthen your backup strategy:
- 3-2-1-1-0 strategy for enhanced security against ransomware and data corruption
- 4-3-2 strategy for maximum geographic resilience and disaster recovery
Choose the approach that matches your specific protection needs and available resources.
Start Your 3-2-1 Backup Strategy Today
Begin with remote-backups.com as your offsite storage solution. Simple setup, reliable service, and room to grow as your needs change.