Backup strategy
A rule set defining which data is backed up when, where and how often — the proven 3-2-1 rule says 3 copies, 2 media, 1 off-site.
A robust backup strategy answers three questions: RPO (how much data loss is acceptable? — e.g. one hour = hourly backup), RTO (how fast must restore complete? — minutes to days) and retention (daily for 7 days, weekly for 4 weeks, monthly for 12 months). Incremental backups save storage but require a working restore chain; full backups use more volume but are individually restorable. The 3-2-1 rule demands at least 3 data copies (1 production + 2 backup), on 2 different media, with 1 copy at a geographically separate location (off-site, preferably object storage at another provider). Restore drills at least quarterly — a backup that has never been restored is not a backup.
Also known as
3-2-1 backup, Backup plan
Related terms
Sources
Updated: 16.05.2026