Many small businesses discover their backup doesn't work on the day they need it. A sync tool that copies deleted files, a USB drive left plugged in and encrypted by ransomware, or a backup that silently stopped months ago. The 3-2-1 rule is a simple way to avoid that.
The rule
- 3 copies of your data: the original plus two backups.
- 2 different types of storage, for example a local backup device and the cloud.
- 1 copy offsite, away from your office and your network.
Two additions for the ransomware era
Make one copy immutable. Modern ransomware hunts for backups and deletes them. Immutable storage can't be changed or erased for a set period, even with an administrator password.
Test restores. Every quarter, restore a real file and, once a year, a whole server or mailbox. Time it. That number is how long your business would be down.
Don't forget Microsoft 365
Microsoft keeps its service running, but it isn't a backup of your data. Deleted emails and files are only recoverable for a limited time. A separate Microsoft 365 backup covers mistakes, departing staff and ransomware in OneDrive.
Not sure your backups would hold up? See our backup service or book a check.