How to follow and operationalize the 3-2-1 backup rule in order to properly protect your organization’s data and mitigate against risks.

Ransomware. Cyberattacks. Hardware failures. Human error. Power shortages. Theft. Natural disasters. When hazards like these hit company IT systems, only backed up data will prevent a company’s IP from perishing, if not the company itself.

Floods, fires, viruses and malware can also lead to the corruption or destruction of on-premise servers and other hardware, increasing the risk of data loss. To mitigate this, use the industry standard “3-2-1 backup rule”.

What is the 3-2-1 rule?

For any IT environment, it’s essential to make 3 copies of your data, store 2 backup copies on different storage media and keep 1 copy located off-site whether that be on a remote physical cluster or on a cloud-based secure platform which can be remotely accessed.

While software and applications may be recoverable through reinstallation or other means, losing your critical data could result in a standstill, a slow-down or even a shutdown of your business. Attackers are getting smarter, so you need to get proactive and ahead of it.

Cyberattacks are Increasing at an Alarming Rate

Cyberattacks against businesses of all sizes are on the rise. The 2019 Official Annual Cybercrime Report (ACR) predicts that businesses will fall for ransomware attacks every 14 seconds. According to a 2017 cybersecurity report, 29% of businesses that are victims of attacks or breaches experience a loss in revenue, customer loyalty and trust and in worst cases, are subjected to public scrutiny and legal ramifications.

The Benefits of Following the 3-2-1 Rule

When conducted regularly and systematically, 3-2-1-rule-based backups are a smart, preventative measure and essential for:

• ENSURING uncorrupted data to keep your business running
• SECURING vital data for operations, competitive gain & sales
• SAFETY & CONFIDENTIALITY of client & employee information
• STRENGTHENING client relationships (i.e. saved data builds trust)
• SECURING financial & accounting data (i.e. for tax reporting & audits)
• ACCOUNTABILITY to shareholders (i.e. annual reports & assessments)
• ARCHIVING a company’s historical progress
• IMPROVING productivity & efficiency
• MAXIMIZING availability of your business

Operationalize the 3-2-1 Rule or Get Help

Review your backup strategies often. Choose backup technologies with optimal data protection and a good data recovery plan. The 3-2-1 backup rule builds a strong data protection system and some peace of mind.

Cloud and Managed Service Providers are well-versed with many backup and recovery technologies and can provide different strategies for your diverse workloads ensuring that you’re up and running in very little time. CSPs can also offer offsite backup repositories to help you meet industry standards for data protection.

Finally, it’s important to not only plan, but regularly update and execute your data resiliency strategy. Without frequent validation, even the best backup plans can fall short of the desired results.

Despite all this, data protection doesn’t have to be hard. With a well-trained team, good operations planning, and the right technology partners, businesses can turn this cumbersome chore into a small part of their routines and reap the benefits of better compliance and market availability.

For more information on how TeraGo can help your business become data protection pros, visit TeraGo Managed Services.