Start a 3-2-1 Backup at Home

What 3-2-1 means

• 3 copies: the working data plus two copies
• 2 media or devices: avoid one shared point of failure
• 1 off-site or isolated: survive theft, fire, and ransomware

A realistic home setup

Start with a PC copy, an automated NAS backup, and either encrypted cloud storage or an external drive stored elsewhere. Disconnect the external drive after backup.

Test restores, not just backup logs

Every month, restore several random files to another folder and open them. A successful job status is not proof that recovery works.

Protect in this order

1. Irreplaceable family photos and records
2. Work and configuration files that are costly to rebuild
3. Downloadable media and installers

Action checklist

• Inventory originals and copy locations
• Alert on failed automatic jobs
• Keep one off-site or isolated copy
• Restore random files every month