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Data Security • 2026 Update

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule is Dead.
Meet 3-2-1-1-0.

Modern ransomware doesn't just encrypt your PC—it hunts for your backups too. Here is why the old standard fails and how to build a bulletproof defense.

ED

By The Storage Team

EasyDriveCompare.com

Why the Old Rule Failed

For two decades, IT professionals swore by the 3-2-1 Rule: 3 copies of data, 2 different media types, 1 offsite. It was simple. It was effective.

But in 2026, it is dangerous advice. Why? Because it assumes your backups are safe from infection.

Modern ransomware (like LockBit 4.0) spends weeks inside a network before detonating. It actively scans for connected backup drives, NAS units, and even cloud sync folders, encrypting them alongside your main files. If your "Offsite" backup is just a synced Dropbox folder, it gets encrypted too.

The New Standard: 3-2-1-1-0

To survive a modern attack, you need two new layers of defense: Immutability and Zero Errors.

  • 3
    Copies of Data

    The original data + two backups. This part hasn't changed.

  • 2
    Different Media Types

    e.g., Local SSD + NAS, or NAS + Cloud. Don't keep everything on one device.

  • 1
    Offsite Copy

    Cloud storage or a physical drive at a different location (to protect against fire/theft).

  • 1
    Offline / Immutable Copy

    CRITICAL: A copy that cannot be modified or deleted, even by an admin. This is your "Air Gap".

  • 0
    Zero Errors

    Verified backups with 0 errors. A backup you haven't tested is just a wish.

How to Build an "Immutable" Backup

You don't need a corporate budget to achieve immutability. Here are the best ways for home users and small businesses to create an unhackable "Air Gap."

Option 1: The "Cold" Hard Drive

The simplest air gap. Buy a high-capacity external HDD. Run your backup. Unplug it. Ransomware cannot hack a cable that isn't connected.

Compare Best External HDDs →
Option 2: Object Lock (S3)

Use cloud storage (like Backblaze B2 or AWS S3) with "Object Lock" enabled. This sets a flag saying "Do not allow deletion for 30 days". Even if a hacker gets your password, they cannot delete the files.

Recommended Hardware for your Local Backup

For your local copies (the "2" in 3-2-1), reliability is key. We recommend CMR drives over SMR for faster recovery speeds.

Drive ModelBest ForCapacity
WD Red ProNAS / 24/7 Uptime4TB - 22TB
Seagate IronWolf ProHeavy Workloads4TB - 24TB
WD Elements (External)Cold / Offline BackupUp to 22TB

Secure Your Data Today

Don't wait for a crash or a hack. Hard drives are cheap; your data is priceless. Start by finding the right drive for your offline backup.

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