“But I have it backed up, it is on a second drive in the same computer.” This is one of the most common mistakes that ends in data loss. Let us look at what a backup you can really rely on looks like.

One copy is not a backup

If your data is in only one place, you are one failure, theft or unlucky click away from losing it. Even a second copy in the same computer or the same room will not protect you from fire, a power surge, theft or ransomware, which encrypts everything it can reach.

The 3-2-1 rule

The proven guideline that professionals use too is simple:

  • 3 copies of the data (the original and two backups),
  • on 2 different types of storage (for example a drive in the computer and an external drive or NAS),
  • with 1 copy off the premises (for example in the cloud or at another location).

This way you are not brought down by a drive failure nor by a problem in a single building.

Local backup: fast but vulnerable

A backup to an external drive or NAS has a big advantage: it is fast both when backing up and when restoring, and you have full control over it. The weakness is that if it is always connected and in the same room, it is threatened by fire, theft and ransomware. That is why at least one copy should be disconnected or out of the network’s reach.

Cloud backup: survives even a fire

A cloud backup automatically takes care of the “one” from the 3-2-1 rule, the copy off the premises. It survives fire and theft and you can reach it from anywhere. On the other hand it depends on the internet (especially the upload speed), has ongoing costs and, with a large volume of data, takes longer to restore. You should also consider whom you entrust the data to.

The best is a combination

In practice, combining both works best: a local backup for the fast restore of everyday things and a cloud or other off-site copy for a bigger disaster. Plus one more thing that gets forgotten: versioning, that is keeping older versions of files too. Without it, a damaged or encrypted file gets copied into the backup and overwrites the healthy one.

And finally the most important thing: test the restore. A backup you have never actually restored anything from is only hope, not certainty. And if the worst happens anyway, read about when data can still be saved.

Want your data truly safe? Get in touch and we will design a backup tailored to you that survives even a bad day.