3‑2‑1 Rule Storage for You?

If you take pictures, record videos, or just care about saving files—you need a backup plan. One crash, one drop, or one hacker can wipe everything. That’s where backup rules come in.

Let’s break down the 3 most common ones:

✅ 1. The 3‑2‑1 Rule (Good Starting Point)

This is the basic rule to protect your files.
It’s simple, and it works for most people.

Here’s what it means:

• 3 copies of your data (1 original + 2 backups)
• 2 different types of storage (like hard drive and cloud)
• 1 copy stored off-site (like online or at another house)

🔧 How to set it up:

• Save photos to your main computer (that’s copy #1)
  • Use an external drive for backup (copy #2)
  • Use a cloud backup (Backblaze, Google Drive, etc.) for off-site (copy #3)

🔄 2. The 3‑2‑1‑1‑0 Rule (Stronger Protection)

This rule adds two more layers for extra safety. It’s like putting your data in armor.

It means:

• 3 copies
• 2 different storage types
• 1 off-site copy
• 1 copy that’s offline and air-gapped (not connected to the internet)
• 0 errors after backup is verified

🔧 How to set it up:

• Keep your main files on your computer
  • Back up to an external hard drive
  • Back up to the cloud (off-site)
  • Save an extra copy to a drive or disc not connected to anything (air-gapped)
  • Run a backup check to make sure there are 0 errors

• Use tools like Checksums or Verify by Software

✅ Why it’s better:

• Stops ransomware from wiping all copies
  • Helps in disasters like fire or floods
  • 0 errors mean files are readable when you need them

🚦 3. The 2‑1‑1 Rule (Light Backup)

This is the bare minimum. It’s okay for small jobs or fast setups.

It means:

• 2 copies (main + backup)
• 1 storage type (usually hard drives)
• 1 off-site or cloud backup

🔧 How to set it up:

• Save files to your main computer
  • Back up to an external drive, then sync to cloud
  • Done—fast and cheap

⚠️ Why it’s weaker:

• Less protection if both local copies fail
  • Not safe if ransomware hits your synced folders
  • Good only for small or personal use

🧠 Simple Comparison Chart

I stick with the 3‑2‑1 method for daily projects. It’s easy, fast, and protects 95% of my files.

But for client jobs or once-in-a-lifetime shoots, I move to 3‑2‑1‑1‑0:

How do you manage it?