Save Your Photos: The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

The 3-2-1 backup rule is very simple and has withstood the test of time for protecting digital assets. This rule requires that you have 3 copies of your digital data (photos, videos, documents, etc.) stored on 2 different media or devices with 1 copy located off-site.

 

 

A Tried and True Backup Strategy

We live in a world of rapidly changing technologies that continually demand bigger, better and faster ways for storing and protecting your digital life. And while best practices for managing your digital assets evolve quickly, this has not been true for the 3-2-1 backup strategy which has withstood the test of time.

For years, organizations, businesses, and individuals have been using this method as a reliable strategy for backing up their digital files, and professional photographers use this method for protecting their large photo collections.

 

Back Up Your Digital Assets

 

Let’s break it down. We’re going to talk specifically about backing up your memory collection (your digital photo hub), but this strategy applies to all your digital assets.

 

Three copies of your digital photo hub

If you have your originals plus 2 more copies, for a total of 3 copies, you reduce the odds of losing your data significantly. You are creating a system with triple redundancies.

 

Stored on 2 different media or devices

When you store your originals on one device and a copy on a second device or media, that means you have immediate access to a backup if one of those devices fails. When your computer crashes or your EHD fails (and they will) your files can be restored from the other device. Storing these devices locally means you have full control and access at all times.

 

Store 1 copy off-site

The third copy of your hub should be stored in a different location from your other 2 copies. If all 3 copies of your hub are located in your home, your precious memories are at risk if something unforeseen should happen to your home. Natural disasters, fires, floods, and theft are unexpected tragedies that can happen to anyone. We recommend a cloud-based backup or storage solution for your 3rd location. If the cloud isn’t an option, your third copy can be stored on another device, or optical discs (archival gold DVD’s) and stored in a different location as far away from your home as possible.

 

Automate Your 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

 

“Backups that rely on humans, never get done.” – Ben, the Newtown Nerd

 

The more you automate your backup strategy, the better! There are plenty of cloud backups that run automatically in the background of your computer, and your OS has auto-backups that you can configure with your EHD.

If you already have a 3-2-1 backup strategy in place, give yourself a pat on the back. The 3-2-1 backup rule is the MOST important tip we can share.

Back them up!