CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Data and Database FundamentalsHard
An IT administrator wants to design a backup strategy that protects against site-wide disasters such as fire or theft, in addition to normal hardware failure. Which practice best follows the commonly recommended 3-2-1 backup rule?
- AKeep one backup copy on a USB drive that stays next to the server at all times
- BKeep two copies of data on two different partitions of the same physical disk
- CKeep three full backups on the same external hard drive connected to the server
- DKeep three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Keep three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite
The 3-2-1 backup rule recommends keeping at least three total copies of data, stored on two different types of media, with at least one copy kept offsite. This protects against both media failure and localized disasters like fire or theft.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A single backup copy stored next to the server does not meet the three-copies or offsite requirements.
- B. Two partitions on the same physical disk do not count as different media and provide no protection from a full disk failure.
- C. Keeping all backups on the same drive fails the '2 different media' and 'offsite' requirements, risking total loss if that drive fails.
3-2-1 Backup Rule
A data protection strategy recommending 3 total copies of data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored offsite.
- Protects against hardware failure, theft, and site-wide disasters.
- Different media types might include local disk, tape, and cloud storage.
- The offsite copy ensures recovery even if the primary location is destroyed.
Memory trick: 3 copies, 2 media, 1 far away, keeps your data safe from any bad day.