Backing up data properly: the 3-2-1 backup rule explained simply
KMU Informatik · 2026-07-03 · 5 Min read
Hard drive failure, theft, ransomware – data is gone faster than you think. If you back up according to the 3-2-1 rule, you are practically always on the safe side. This is how it works – and how to implement it without much effort.
What does 3-2-1 mean?
Three copies of your data, on two different media, one of them off-site. Specifically: your working data on the PC, one copy on an external hard drive or NAS, and a second copy in a (Swiss) cloud. If one level fails, two others remain.
Automate instead of remembering
Backups you have to think about get forgotten eventually. Set up the backup so it runs automatically every day – and notifies you of errors. That is exactly how we configure backups for our clients: 'set and forget', but with monitoring.
Cloud, NAS or external hard drive?
For private users, an external hard drive plus a cloud folder is usually ideal. For businesses we recommend a NAS in the office plus encrypted cloud backup in Switzerland. Important: the cloud copy should keep versions so that accidentally deleted or encrypted files can be restored.
The decisive step: test the restore
A backup that has never been tested is a hope, not a backup. Restore individual files as a test once a quarter. In our maintenance contracts this restore test is a fixed part of the program.
What belongs in the backup?
Documents, photos, email archives, accounting, databases, configurations – and for businesses also the Microsoft 365 data. Yes, that too: Microsoft backs up the infrastructure, not your content. A separate 365 backup closes this gap.
Rather have a professional solve it?
We set up your data backup completely – from CHF 150 for households, individually for businesses. Including automation, encryption and tested restoration. Book a free initial consultation online.
Book a free initial consultation
Tell us about your issue – we will get back to you within 24 hours with an honest first assessment and a concrete proposal. Non-binding and free of charge.