Are Your Data Backups Ready for Disaster? & Why the 3-2-1 Rule Could Save Your Business

How do you know whether your Data Backups are adequate?

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So, you’ve got backups of your servers and computers, Great! But here’s the big question: how do you know that they actually are usable should you your systems crash or be hit by a cyber-attack?

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Recently we had just started working with a new client who had a major server crash, only to discover that their back process was faulty. Finally, after many hours, working through the night we were able to restore their systems from an old backup, almost a month previously. This caused major disruption to their business as they needed to recapture all their documents that had already been proceed since the date of the last working backup, we used to restore their server.

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The cost to the customer in loss of productivity and the many hours of overtime to get their operations up to date is unmeasurable.

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When we analysed why there were no workable backups, we established that their system had been sending error notifications, but they had gone to someone who didn’t understand them and so didn’t act.

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So that we can all learn from this experience, let’s dive into the essentials of data backup best practice, focusing on a straightforward but powerful rule that’s got your back (and your data’s, too): the 3-2-1 Rule of Backups.

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The 3-2-1 Rule: What Is It, and Why Does It Matter?

The 3-2-1 Rule is a trusty guideline, designed to help you back up your data with a little structure (and a lot more security). Here’s how it goes:

1. 3 x Copies of Your Data: You need three copies of your important data. That’s your original file and two backup copies.
2. 2 x Different Types of Media: Store your backups on at least two different types of storage (like an external hard drive and a cloud service). If one storage method fails, the other’s got your back.
3. 1 x Off-Site Backup: At least one of these copies needs to be stored off-site. This could be in the cloud or at a different physical location. If disaster strikes your office or home, you’ll still have access to your files.

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Why the 3-2-1 Rule Works So Well: This rule is like a safety net for your data.

Let’s get real for a second: equipment can fail, disasters happen, and coffee can spill in the most inopportune places. The 3-2-1 Rule is designed to cover your bases no matter what comes your way. By having three copies, two storage types, and one off-site backup, you’re dramatically reducing the chances of losing your data permanently.

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Extra Tips for Backup Peace of Mind

1. Schedule Regular Checks: Test your backups from time to time to make sure they’re working. It’s not glamorous, but it’s worth it.
2. Stay Organised: Label your backups so you know what’s what. Nothing’s worse than sifting through files like they’re lottery numbers.
3. Automate Where You Can: Many cloud services let you set up automatic backups. It’s like a safety button for your data!
4. Notifications: Make sure they go to someone who does know what to do or who to ask for help!

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Final Thoughts

Following the 3-2-1 Rule of Backups doesn’t have to be a headache—just smart planning. Think of it as a little insurance for the precious data you have. The good news is once you’ve set up a solid backup process, you can sleep easy, knowing you’re prepared for whatever might come your way.

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Du Pont Solutions are specialists, so if you want to have a chat, then we would love to hear from you. Let's connect and fortify your cyber security approach together!