The 3-2-1 backup rule is a simple, effective strategy for keeping your data safe. It advises that you keep three copies of your data on two different media with one copy off-site. Let’s break that down:
- Three copies of your data: Your three copies include your original or production data plus two more copies.
- On two different media: You should store your data on two different forms of media. This means something different today than it did in the late 2000s. I’ll talk a little more about this in a bit.
- One copy off-site: You should keep one copy of your data off-site in a remote location, ideally more than a few miles away from your other two copies.
Backup Strategies: Why the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy is the Best
Here’s how to execute the 3-2-1 backup rule.
Remote Backup
Our Google Workspace subscription includes 2TB of Google Drive disk space per user.
A good way to use that space is to backup your laptop.
Use Arq Backup to backup your laptop to Google Drive.
Cloud backup software for Mac and Windows : Arq
Arq costs $50. Expense it.
Here’s how to create an Arq backup plan. Choose Google Drive as your backup destination.
You might need to have the Google Drive app already installed. It’s good to have it installed regardless.
Local Backup
Buy an external disk drive and setup Time Machine.
Hard drive recommendations:
The Best External Hard Drive of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter
Solid State hard drives are faster and more durable than spinning drives, but they cost more per Terabyte. That said, you only need 1TB to backup most laptops. A 1TB SSD drive costs the same as a 4TB spinning drive.
The 2 Best Portable SSDs of 2024 | Reviews by Wirecutter
Whether you go with a 4TB spinning drive or 1TB solid state drive, expect to pay around US$110.
How to set up Time Machine:
Back up your Mac with Time Machine – Apple Support
Passwords
A subscription to 1Password for Families is included with our Business plan. Every employee gets 1Password for Families for free.
Take advantage of this. Your family will have a lot less hassle recovering from your death if you have family password vaults. It also makes sharing streaming TV services much easier.
Here’s how to set it up:
Get a free 1Password Families membership when you use 1Password Business
