The 3-2-1 backup rule, explained without the jargon

The one backup principle the pros actually use — and how to apply it in plain English without buying anything complicated.

Every IT person you’ve ever met lives by the 3-2-1 rule. It sounds technical. It isn’t.

3-2-1 in one breath

Keep 3 copies of anything you care about, on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy kept somewhere else.

What that means for a normal human

• 3 copies: the original on your laptop, plus two backups.
• 2 types: e.g. an external drive and the cloud — so one problem can’t wipe both.
• 1 offsite: at least one copy not in your house, so a fire, flood or burglary can’t take everything. The cloud counts as offsite.

The easiest way to actually do it

A cheap external drive (copy two) plus an automatic cloud backup (copy three, offsite) covers the whole rule for most people, for a few pounds a month. That’s it. You’re now safer than 90% of people.