small business backup 3-2-1 restore
A backup is not just another folder on the same computer. The goal is to survive the failure of a computer, a storage device and—ideally—a problem affecting the whole premises or account.
1. Keep multiple copies
The working data should not be the only copy. Important business files need additional protected copies.
2. Use different storage locations
A backup on a second internal drive can still be lost with theft, power damage, malware or a whole-computer failure.
3. Keep one copy away from the original environment
Cloud or another appropriately protected off-site copy reduces the chance that one event destroys every copy.
4. Test restoration
A “successful” backup job is not enough. Periodically confirm that expected folders exist and sample files can be restored.
5. Know what is not included
Email, accounting data, browser profiles, cloud-synchronised folders and application databases may need separate attention.
6. Document the process
Someone other than the person who set it up should be able to understand where the backups are and how recovery starts.