Backup planning feels boring until you need it. The 3-2-1 method is the easiest way to make sure a single device failure or malware event does not wipe your data.

What 3-2-1 means

  • 3 copies of important data
  • 2 different types of storage
  • 1 copy stored off-site

Start with your most critical files

Documents, photos, and financial records are most people’s top priority. Create a list and make sure those folders are backed up first.

Cloud storage icon on a screen
Automate backups so you do not have to remember.

Automate and verify

Backups only help if they work. Schedule automatic backups and test a restore once every few months.

Store one backup offline or in a separate cloud provider so ransomware cannot encrypt everything at once.

What to do after a loss

If a device is lost or compromised, reset passwords first, then restore data to a clean system. Avoid restoring from a backup that could be infected.