A simple rule that covers most scenarios.
THE RULE
Three copies of your data On two different types of storage With one copy off-site
FOR A WEBSITE
- Copy one: the live site itself
- Copy two: automatic backups to cloud storage
- Copy three: a periodic copy downloaded to your own computer
The cloud storage and your computer are different locations and different providers, which satisfies the spirit of the rule.
WHY THREE
Because one backup can fail. A corrupted archive, an incomplete transfer, or a storage account you lose access to.
WHY OFF-SITE
Because the event that takes the site may take anything stored alongside it.
WHAT THIS PROTECTS AGAINST
- Site compromise: the off-site copy is untouched
- Account suspension: you still have the data
- Provider failure: you can move elsewhere
- Your own mistake: you have several points to return to
- Losing a storage account: you have another copy
THE PRACTICAL VERSION
Automatic backups to Google Drive, and a manual download once a quarter. That is enough for most small businesses.
