Data storage is unique amongst tech products. Unlike with the purchase of other tech, storage products contain an irreplaceable component, the data. It doesn’t matter whether it comes from hardware failures, disasters or malware, data loss is data loss. These events may be unpredictable.
Without backups, data cannot be truly safe. To achieve effective data security, you need to follow at least the 3-2-1 backup principle.
1.2 Misconceptions when Backing Up
Misconception 1: Moving files = Backup
Some think that transferring files to a NAS or other device while deleting the original files is a backup. Because there is only one copy of the file, it cannot be restored if it is lost.
Misconception 2: Protective measures like RAID or snapshots on NAS = Backup
Many people consider RAID arrays to be a type of backup. A RAID array is not actually a backup, but a fault-tolerant mechanism that provides protection against drive failure. Snapshots help protect against unintentional modifications, but do not make copies of your data on a separate device.
Misconception 3: Backing up means you can rest easy
After completing a 3-2-1-compliant backup, it does not mean that the entire backup plan is perfect. Your minimum-three copies should address the risks of the others. Also, test your backups to ensure they can be restored. 3-2-1 is a minimum standard, more copies of your data on different storage media can reduce risks further. There is no such thing as 100% efficacy. There is only risk reduction.
2. Understanding 3-2-1
A good backup plan needs to address as many practical risks to your data as possible.
The 3-2-1 Backup Principle is currently recognized as the minimum standard for safe backups. To be compliant with its rules, you need to achieve:
At least 3 copies of data – To protect from most practical risks.
On 2 different types of storage media – Each type of storage medium comes with their own set of risks. Use different types to cover the different types of risks that may come with each storage type.
At least 1 off-site backup - Reduces the risks of the location. Fires, floods, robberies and other natural disasters are some common risks to data in the same location.
3.1 Why use an ASUSTOR NAS device in a 3-2-1-compliant backup?
It’s convenient: Your ASUSTOR NAS has a variety of ways for you to access it to start your backups. ASUSTOR provides a number of backup apps for both desktop and mobile devices as well as supports a number of protocols to increase compatibility with many device types. ASUSTOR NAS devices also come with USB ports to ensure easy-access to external storage. All these ways enable backups to and from a wide variety of devices.
It makes local backups easy: Use your ASUSTOR NAS to make easy local backups through a variety of ways. ASUSTOR NAS devices support one-touch backups for external drives, MyArchive hot-swappable drives are a great option while backups to another ASUSTOR NAS through FTP, Rsync and EZ Sync are also an option. ASUSTOR supports backups on Windows through ASUSTOR Backup Plan while Time Machine on macOS provides an easy way to back up your Mac.
It provides easier offsite backups: ASUSTOR supports a variety of cloud services inside DataSync Center and Cloud Backup Center. Set schedules to upload files from your NAS to a public cloud to make it easy or make manual backups whenever the need arises. Offsite backups can also be done with another ASUSTOR NAS in a different location using Rsync, FTP, EZ Sync and WebDAV. These protocols can be used over the Internet. MyArchive and external drives can be physically taken to another location as part of an offsite backup as well.
