# 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.
  ```