The backup guide

Your data deserves
a plan B.

Photos, documents, projects: some files cannot be replaced. The 3-2-1 rule helps you protect them without relying on a single device or location.

Three numbers. A good habit.

The principle: keep multiple copies and separate the risks. A failure or accident should not wipe out all your data at once.

3 copies of your data

Your original and two backups. Not three folders on the same drive: if that drive fails, they all go with it.

2 types of media

Use different types of storage, such as your computer’s SSD and an external hard drive. Independent remote storage can complement this setup.

1 off-site copy

Keep at least one backup in another location. A drive next to your computer is still exposed to the same theft, fire or water damage.

In practice

Your photos, in three places.

A simple example for personal photos and documents. All three copies must remain independently retrievable.

The original

Your computer

You keep and use your files on its SSD.

The local backup

An external hard drive

Your software saves regular backups to it. Disconnect it between backups to keep it better isolated.

The off-site backup

Remote storage

Another backup is sent to storage elsewhere, such as your Seedbox space, using a compatible method.

Moving your files to the cloud and then deleting them from your computer does not create an additional backup: you still only have one copy.

A useful backup is a backup that can be restored.

The 3-2-1 rule is a starting point, not an absolute guarantee. These habits make a difference when you need your backups.

Set a schedule
Back up according to how much work you can afford to lose: a day, an hour or less. Automate where possible and check for errors.
Keep multiple versions
An error can go unnoticed for days. Keep a version history and enough storage to avoid overwriting older copies too soon.
Isolate a copy
A disconnected disk, or immutable backup if your solution allows it, reduces the risk of malware modifying all your copies.
Protect access
Use separate access credentials where possible and encrypt sensitive backups before uploading them. Keep the recovery key in a safe, independent location.
Test restoration
Regularly restore a few files to a different folder and open them. For an application, also test recovery of its database and configuration.

Where Seedbox fits in

Your remote copy, not your only copy.

Your Seedbox storage can hold an off-site copy as part of your 3-2-1 setup. Keep your data on your own storage media too, and choose a backup method compatible with the access options available on your plan.

Having storage space does not automatically set up a backup. Scheduling, version history, encryption and restoration tests depend on the solution you configure.

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Questions to ask yourself

Is the cloud enough to protect my files?

No, not if it holds your only copy. Cloud storage can serve as an off-site copy, but you also need independent copies and a way to restore files after an error.

Does my NAS count as a backup?

Yes, if it holds a separate backup of files that also exist elsewhere. If your files only exist on the NAS, that is the original. And a NAS at home does not replace the off-site copy.

Do I need to back up anything other than my files?

For an application, files alone are not always enough. Its database, configuration and sometimes its keys are necessary for the restoration. Follow its documentation to create a consistent backup.

Where should I start?

Identify irreplaceable data first. Create a first backup on separate storage, then a second in another location. Schedule future backups and immediately test restoring a few files.