The Essential Guide to the
3-2-1-1-0 Backup Rule
for Data Security

Written By: Probax

What would happen if a ransomware attack brought your client’s operations to a sudden halt? Are their backups truly prepared to withstand an attack? For many MSPs, these questions hit close to home, as data security threats continue to grow. Clients depend on you not just to store data but to protect it from the worst-case scenario.

This article guides you through a tried-and-true method for backup resilience: the 3-2-1-1-0 strategy. You’ll know how to implement each part of this approach to ensure your clients’ data is well-protected—from maintaining multiple copies to securing an immutable backup that ransomware can’t touch. We'll also cover practical steps to verify that backups are error-free and ready when it matters most.

So, if you’re ready to enhance your ransomware readiness and offer your clients peace of mind, let’s explore how the 3-2-1-1-0 strategy can be your go-to framework for robust data protection.

Why Ransomware Readiness Matters

Ransomware attacks are a real threat to businesses of all sizes. It can lead to lost data, extended downtime, and loss of customer trust. A severe ransomware attack targeting a small business could even lead to complete business failure and bankruptcy.

For managed service providers (MSPs) supporting clients with critical data, the stakes are even higher. Ensuring data resilience and fast recovery from ransomware is crucial for safeguarding business continuity and client trust.

Understanding the 3-2-1-1-0 Backup Strategy

The 3-2-1-1-0 strategy builds upon traditional backup methods to ensure data remains secure and recoverable—even during a ransomware attack. It provides a structured, fail-proof approach to data protection.

Now, let’s explain what each number refers to in the 3-2-1-1-0 backup rule:

3: Keep Three Copies of Your Datas

The foundation of this strategy lies in redundancy. Having three copies of data—one primary and two backups—lowers the risk of a complete data loss. The copies are:

• The original, active data
• A primary backup stored either locally on-premise or offsite
• A secondary backup is stored remotely, which we’ll cover further in the next steps

So why three copies? It’s to make sure that if one copy is compromised or fails, there are still two other avenues for data recovery.

2: Store Data on Two Different Media Types

Storing data across two different types of media helps mitigate risks of physical media failure or cyber threats. For example, your client’s organization might:

• Store one backup on a network-attached storage (NAS) device or server and another on public cloud storage
• Use a combination of public and private cloud instances to provide two different media types

When your client diversifies their storage types, they add an extra layer of security, as some ransomware strains may target specific types of media or connected systems.

1: Keep One Copy Offsite

In the event of physical disasters—such as fires, floods, or other emergencies—an offsite backup offers much-needed protection. For example:

• A cloud backup stored with a service provider can act as the offsite copy, ensuring the data remains accessible in a crisis
• Alternatively, physically transporting an external drive to a remote location serves the same purpose

For MSPs, maintaining a dedicated cloud backup solution for clients simplifies the management of offsite data copies while providing rapid remote access.

1: Have One Copy in Immutable Storage

Immutable storage ensures that a backup remains unaltered, even if the primary network or storage is compromised. Options include:

• Object storage with immutability enabled, which prevents overwriting or deletion
• Air-gapped backups, where data is disconnected from the network, making it unreachable by ransomware

With immutable storage, MSPs can provide clients with a higher level of protection that’s orchestrated with ransomware mitigation from the ground up. Immutable backups remain untouched, even if other backups are compromised.

0: Ensure Zero Backup Errors

The final “0” in the strategy emphasizes error-free backups. Data backups are only effective if they can be restored without issues, so regular testing is essential. Your MSP should:

• Regularly scan backups for errors and verify data integrity
• Run periodic restore tests to ensure each backup is functional and complete

Implementing the 3-2-1-1-0 Strategy in Your Client’s Organization

Implementing this backup strategy with clients starts with a comprehensive assessment of their existing backup practices and data storage needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide for practical implementation:

1. Identify Data Priorities: Determine which data assets are most critical to client operations. This might include financial records, customer databases, or intellectual property.
2. Establish Storage Resources: Work with the client to identify local and offsite storage solutions. Recommend diverse media options and assess existing storage for suitability in a layered backup structure.
3. Configure Immutable Storage: Assist clients in setting up air-gapped or immutable backups, which might require configuring object storage in the cloud or establishing offline backups for added security.
4. Routine Backup Audits: Schedule regular error checks and recovery tests to confirm that every backup remains in good health and can be restored promptly if needed.
5. Client Training and Awareness: Educate client staff on ransomware risks and the importance of the 3-2-1-1-0 approach. Ensure they understand the value of layered backups and the role they play in data resilience.

Best Practices for Maintaining Ransomware Resilience

To maintain ransomware readiness, you can integrate these best practices into client operations:

• Automate Backups: Where possible, set up automated backup schedules to reduce the risk of human error and ensure that backups are up-to-date.
• Review and Update Policies: Cyber threats evolve, so ensure clients’ backup policies are regularly reviewed and adjusted to address emerging risks.
• Use Encryption: For all backup copies, especially those stored offsite or in the cloud, apply encryption to protect data during transit and storage.
• Monitor Storage Health: Regularly check that all storage media are in good health and proactively address any early signs of failure or degradation.

Access the Easy Button for Ransomware Readiness

For MSPs looking to streamline ransomware protection, adopting the 3-2-1-1-0 strategy offers a clear pathway to effective data resilience. 

With a systematic approach and best practices, you can guarantee that your clients’ data is well-protected and readily available for recovery when it matters most.

Ready to uplevel your clients' data protection strategy? Contact us today to get started!