The 3-2-1 Backup Rule
The 3-2-1 rule is a simple, battle-tested guideline used across the industry to make sure a single failure cannot wipe out all your copies at once. It is easy to remember and surprisingly hard to argue with.
We use it as the default starting point for protecting client data and adjust the details to fit your systems and budget.
What the Numbers Mean
Each digit covers a different way backups tend to fail in the real world.
- 3 copies of your data in total (the live one plus two backups).
- 2 different types of storage media or service.
- 1 copy kept off-site or in a separate location.
Why It Works
If your office floods, the off-site copy survives. If a cloud account is compromised, a copy on different media survives. The rule deliberately removes single points of failure.
| Rule | Protects against |
|---|---|
| 3 copies | One copy being lost or corrupted |
| 2 media types | A whole storage type failing at once |
| 1 off-site | Fire, theft or local disaster |
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.