Backup Brilliance: The 3-2-1 Rule & Why Your Business Needs It
There is no such thing as a business without data in 2024. Data is the driving force behind your business and the way you can understand your audience. It helps your business reduce unnecessary work and expenditure. Simply put, it is the information your business needs to keep reaching new heights.
But every business’s data is at risk. From cyberattacks to human error, natural disaster and system issues, your business isn’t free from the risk of data loss.
This is why you need a backup and disaster recovery provider who will ensure your information is safe.
Part of doing so is through the powerful 3-2-1 rule:
What do you need to meet the 3-2-1 rule?
The 3-2-1 rule is one of the best methods of backup and disaster recovery Adelaide businesses can enlist. It ensures that your data is easily-retrievable in the event of a cyberattack, natural disaster or any other emergency that could otherwise threaten your sensitive information.
To comply with the 3-2-1 rule, you need the following:
3 data copies
First thing’s first, you must have at least three copies of your data, including the original digital data set and two backup copies. You or your provider will first produce an original data copy and then duplicate it. Having three copies ensures that you can store the information in separate locations, thus making said information easily-retrievable in the event of an emergency.
2 different media forms
Your copies will then be stored on two separate media forms. If there are any problems with one piece of hardware, you will have a separate component there from which you can retrieve your data. For example, you might keep two copies onsite but on two separate forms of media, whilst your provider will keep a copy in an offsite cloud location, thus protecting your information if both onsite copies are compromised.
1 offsite copy
Continuing with your offsite copy, this must be stored in a location that is far away from your actual office. This will typically be done through a cloud service but it can also be archived tapes. Whichever option you choose, the main purpose of maintaining an offsite copy is to keep it at a distance that can protect it from cyberattacks, natural disasters, theft etc.
Public cloud networks are one of the most popular options and are considered as a separate media form when multiple cloud buckets are utilised at a different location. There are numerous options available for you to choose from and each are designed to keep your data separate from onsite copies whilst making it easily-retrievable if said onsite copies are compromised.
Why your business needs the 3-2-1 rule
The main benefit and reason why the 3-2-1 rule was designed in the first place is to provide you with the peace of mind that you have backups in place should an emergency happen. It ensures business continuity should your operation be susceptible to any of the major threats facing businesses in the digital era.
When you partner with a reputable backup and disaster recovery provider, they will ensure that this method is enlisted to protect your business. They will operate a range of 3-2-1 rule elements including cloud and tape recovery to ensure that your business can continue operating without the downtime that can otherwise threaten a business’s livelihood in the event of an emergency!