Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Word of the Day: 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

Word of the Day WhatIs.com
Daily updates on the latest technology terms | August 14, 2019
3-2-1 Backup Strategy

The 3-2-1 backup is a reliable recovery methodology for ensuring that data is protected adequately and backup copies of the data are available when needed. The basic concept of the 3-2-1 backup strategy is that three copies are made of the data to be protected, the copies are stored on two different types of storage media and one copy of the data is sent offsite.

In the classic 3-2-1 backup scenario, backup software makes a copy of the company's critical data and saves the copy to another on-premises storage device. During that process or immediately afterward, two more copies of the data are saved to two other devices--traditionally at least one of those devices was a tape library. Tape was a standard part of the process because it made it easy to create a portable copy of the data in the form of a tape cartridge that could easily be sent offsite.

Although the 3-2-1 backup approach has been around since the early days of data protection, it is a concept that is still embraced by most backup software and hardware vendors as a best practice for using their products effectively. They recognize that the general concept is still valid regardless of how or where a company stores its data, even as new requirements and voluminous data have made the 3-2-1 equation a bit more complicated.

3-2-1 backup rules

The 3-2-1 backup strategy is made up of three rules, they are as follows:

  • Three copies of data- This includes the original data and at least two backups.
  • Two different storage types- Both copies of the backed up data should be kept on two separate storage types to minimize the chance of failure. Storage types could include an internal hard drive, external hard drive, removable storage drive or cloud backup environment.
  • One copy offsite- At least one data copy should be stored in an offsite or remote location to ensure that natural or geographical disasters cannot affect all data copies.

Importance of the 3-2-1 rule

The 3-2-1 backup strategy is recognized as a best practice for information security professionals and government authorities. While it does not guarantee all data will never be compromised, this strategy eliminates the most risk. The 3-2-1 methodology is important in ensuring that there is no single point of failure for data. Not only is an organization covered if one copy is corrupted or a technology fails, but also if a natural disaster or theft occurs that wipes out the physical storage types. Continue reading...

Quote of the Day

 
"Off-site backup has always been a key piece of the 3-2-1 Rule of Backup: three copies of data, on two different media, with one of the copies off-site." - Nick Cavalancia

Learning Center

 

Protect backups from ransomware and other security risks
Backups are an excellent way to return enterprises to a known good state. That's why it's essential to secure and protect backups from ransomware and other security risks, whether man-made or natural. Learn how to align your backup and security strategies for better protection and recovery.

Veeam backup software preps for NAS, more ransomware protection
Veeam backup software takes on NAS and ransomware. The data protection and management provider has also shifted to a subscription-focused licensing model.

Does multi-cloud backup have a future, or is it hype?
Is multi-cloud backup worth the hype? Many businesses see its value, but it may not be a major concern for yours. Looking at it from a few different perspectives could help you decide.

5 biggest data backup mistakes -- and how to avoid them
Data backup mistakes can be ruinous. For example, what if you have only one backup copy and ransomware gets in? Explore how to avoid common errors to protect your business.

What is the difference between cloud backup and off-site backup?
We delve into the cloud backup vs. off-site backup argument, and outline the four areas you need to consider when creating a strategy that will enable you to recover your data if a disaster strikes.

Quiz Yourself

 
Continuous data protection offers recovery options _______ are simply not possible with a traditional backup system.
a. that
b. which

Answer

Stay in Touch

 
For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com

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