# Backup philosophy ### Mindset * 3-2-1 Backup strategy * **Restore strategy is more important than backup strategy** * Testing backup plans would not be a bad idea. If we don't test backups, we don't have them. We must recheck backup/restore plans monthly, quarterly or yearly ### The 3-2-1 Rule * 3 means: having at least 3 total copies of data ``` - local machine - external hard drive/removeable disk device - cloud storage ``` * 2 means: keep the backed-up data on 2 different storage types ``` - local machine - cloud ``` * 1 means: having at least 1 copy offsite ``` Even if you have two copies on two separate storage types but both are stored onsite, a local disaster could wipe out both of them. Keep a third copy in an offsite location, like the cloud. ``` --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.tracelog.in/mindset/technical-based/backup-philosophy.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.