What does the 3-2-1 rule for backups recommend?

The 3-2-1 rule for backups is a widely accepted guideline that helps ensure data safety and recovery in the event of a data loss incident. According to this rule, the recommendation is to maintain three total copies of your data. This includes the original data and two backups, thereby protecting against loss or corruption of any single data instance.

Furthermore, the 3-2-1 rule specifies that these three copies should be stored in at least two different formats or mediums. This means that having the data stored on different types of devices or technologies (for example, a hard drive and a cloud storage) provides an extra layer of security in case one type fails.

Lastly, one of these copies should be stored off-site. This minimizes the risk of data loss due to local events such as theft, fire, or other disasters that could affect all copies of your data stored in the same physical location.

This approach establishes a reliable and comprehensive strategy for data backup, ensuring that your vital information remains accessible even in adverse situations.