3-2-1-1 is a widely recognized best practice for data backup and recovery. This method is a guideline for creating multiple copies of data on different storage media, in different locations, and at different times. This approach provides a high level of protection against data loss due to hardware failure, human error, or natural disasters.
The “3” in 3-2-1-1 refers to the number of copies of data that should be created. Ideally, three copies of data should be kept, with one being the original and the other two being backups. This ensures that even if one copy is lost or damaged, there are still two other copies available for recovery.
The “2” in 3-2-1-1 refers to the number of different storage media that should be used. One copy should be stored on a primary storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD, while the other two copies should be stored on different types of media, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage. This helps to protect against data loss due to media failure.
The “1” in 3-2-1-1 refers to the number of different physical locations that should be used. One copy should be kept on-site, while the other two copies should be stored off-site. This helps to protect against data loss due to natural disasters or other events that could affect the primary location.
The final “1” in 3-2-1-1 refers to the frequency of backups. Data should be backed up at least once a day, but ideally more frequently. This helps to ensure that the most recent version of the data is available for recovery in case of a disaster or other event.
In summary, 3-2-1-1 is a best practice for data backup and recovery that involves creating three copies of data, storing them on two different types of media, keeping them in one on-site and one off-site location and perform the backup at least once a day. By following this method, organizations can greatly reduce the risk of data loss and ensure that their data is protected and can be easily recovered in the event of a disaster.
