The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: The Simple Way to Protect Your Data

Every Thursday morning on KFGO, we talk about real-world technology topics that affect your home, your family, and your business. This week’s segment focused on something that doesn’t get much attention until it’s too late. Backups.

Most people think they are backed up. Many are not. The good news is that there is a simple, proven rule that works for almost everyone.

It’s called the 3-2-1 backup rule.

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What Is the 3-2-1 Backup Rule?

The 3-2-1 rule is a basic framework for protecting your data. It applies whether you are backing up a single home computer or an entire office network.

3 copies of your data

You should always have:

• Your original data
• Two additional backup copies

Why this matters
Files get deleted by accident. Hard drives fail. Ransomware happens. Having multiple copies gives you options when something goes wrong.

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2 different types of storage

Your backups should not all live on the same kind of device.

Examples:

• Your computer or server
• An external hard drive or network storage
• Cloud storage

Why this matters
If all your backups are on the same type of device and that device fails, everything fails with it.

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1 copy stored offsite

At least one backup should be stored somewhere else.

Examples:

• Cloud backup
• A backup stored at another physical location

Why this matters
Fire, flooding, theft, or power damage can take out everything in one place. Offsite backups protect you from physical disasters.

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What the 3-2-1 Rule Looks Like in Real Life

For a home user

• Files on your computer
• A local backup to an external drive or small NAS
• A cloud backup for offsite protection

For a business

• Servers or workstations
• On-site backup device for fast restores
• Encrypted cloud backup for offsite recovery

Same rule. Different scale.

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Why Backups Fail for Most People

Most backup failures happen because:

• Backups are never tested
• Only one copy exists
• Everything is stored in one location
• No one is monitoring whether backups are still running

A backup that has never been tested is just a hope.

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How DarkHorse IT Helps

At DarkHorse IT, we help people actually implement the 3-2-1 backup rule, not just talk about it.

We provide backup solutions for:

• Residential users
• Small businesses
• Commercial environments

Some clients want full business continuity with on-site and cloud backups that allow for quick recovery and minimal downtime. Others just want to protect important files and computers without a full managed service plan.

We meet you where you’re at and build a solution around your needs, your data, and your budget.

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Final Thoughts

Backups are not about having a backup. They are about having the right backups.

If you follow the 3-2-1 rule, you are already ahead of most people.

If you need help setting it up or want to make sure your current backups are actually protecting you, DarkHorse IT is here to help both business and residential clients.

You can learn more or get in touch with us at
https://darkhorseit.com

You can also read our weekly KFGO tech blogs at
https://kfgo.darkhorseit.com

And catch the show live on Facebook every Thursday morning
https://www.facebook.com/darkhorseit

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