The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Protect Your Files From Any Disaster
Three copies, two media types, one offsite. This simple rule has saved millions of people from data loss.
The 3-2-1 backup strategy: keep 3 copies of important data (the original + 2 backups), on 2 different media types (hard drive + cloud, for example), with 1 copy offsite (cloud storage or a drive at a different physical location). This protects against hardware failure, theft, fire, ransomware, and accidental deletion.
The Simplest Implementation
Copy 1: your computer (the original). Copy 2: external hard drive or NAS at home (automatic backup via Time Machine or Windows Backup). Copy 3: cloud backup service (Backblaze $7/month for unlimited, iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive). Total cost: $7-15/month for complete peace of mind.
What Most People Lose
The most devastating losses are irreplaceable files: family photos, videos of children growing up, creative work, and important documents. These are the files that MUST be backed up. Work files are usually recoverable from company servers. Personal memories are not. Back up your photos before anything else.