3-2-1 Backup

3-2-1 Backup

The 3-2-1 backup method has been around since the early days of data backup.
Most backup software and hardware vendors still embrace this concept as best practice. 
The 3-2-1 backup strategy is a well-established technology for protecting and recovering data. It ensures that data is optimally protected against loss and/or damage. 
The strategy involves creating three copies of the data to be protected, storing the copies on two different types of storage media, and keeping one copy of the data at an offsite location.

The 3-2-1 backup strategy consists of three rules, which are as follows:

Three copies of data: This includes the original data and at least two backups.
Two different storage types: Both copies of the backed-up data should be stored on two separate storage types. Such a storage types could be an internal hard drive, an external hard drive, a removable storage drive, or a cloud backup environment.
One offsite copy: At least one copy of the data should be stored at an external or remote location.

So, how do we do this?

Each time we return from a recording session, we copy the data from the SD cards onto an internal hard drive on our computer. We call it "RAW data," but you can call it whatever you like.
Then, we copy the data again to an external USB drive and our NAS server.
Now, we have three copies on three different media, but two would be sufficient. 
We take the external USB drive home from the studio. This way, in case of any unforeseen issues, we have at least one copy available.

Once a project is finished, we will zip and encrypt it before storing it on a cloud drive. Examples of cloud drives include Dropbox, Box, and Google Drive.
While encryption is not necessary, it is recommended. In some cases, the data belongs to your customers, not you. To be on the safe side, we will encrypt it using a strong password consisting of at least 12 upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
We will store the password in the customer's files and share it with the customer. 
If there is no customer, we will keep the password in a safe place for our own use.

But we have never lost a recording due to operator error or oversight.

Since we often record in places where you can't easily go, and where you often can't get permission, we have relied on this tried-and-true concept from the beginning.

The rules are not difficult to follow, and they're not that expensive in this day and age.

The only thing to avoid is USB sticks. A USB stick is organized similarly to a bunch of grapes. If one of the elements at the "beginning" of the memory breaks or no longer works properly, all data is lost. Forever and ever.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!

This does not guarantee that your data will always be safe. Think for yourself and make an informed judgment.
This is how we believe it should be done. However, your approach may differ, and that is also correct.

We recommend not trusting any backup that hasn't been restored at least once.
A backup that can't be restored doesn't deserve the space on your disk! 

Therefore, the backup is not complete until the restore is exactly like the original data. You should always double check. And if in doubt, check it again!!