Most people's backup strategy is "I'll set something up eventually" — until they lose data. The 3-2-1 rule is the industry standard that actually works, and it's simpler to implement than most people think.
WHAT 3-2-1 MEANS
- 3 copies of your data — Original plus two backups. One backup isn't enough because backups can fail.
- 2 different storage media types — Hard drive and cloud, or NAS and cloud. Different media fail differently — they won't fail simultaneously.
- 1 offsite copy — A backup in the same building is vulnerable to the same fire, flood, or theft. Cloud storage is the simplest offsite option.
⚠️ A backup that isn't tested isn't a backup — it's a hope. Restore an actual file from your backup at least once a year to confirm it works. We've seen people discover their backup was empty or corrupt only when they needed it.
PRACTICAL SETUP FOR HOME AND SMALL BUSINESS
Local: Windows Backup or File History to an external drive — automatic and scheduled. Cloud: Backblaze Personal Backup ($7/month) backs up your entire computer continuously. Disconnect the local drive occasionally — a continuously connected backup gets encrypted by ransomware along with everything else.
WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Drive
Reliable bus-powered external drive for local backups. Pair with a cloud service for a complete 3-2-1 strategy.
Check Price on Amazon →Rather have a professional handle it? We set up a proper backup system that will actually protect you when you need it for homes and businesses throughout Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley. On-site or remote — we stand behind every job.