Ransomware and human error are still the top causes of data loss, which makes recovery planning a business priority, not just an IT task. The most reliable approach in 2026 is the 3-2-1-1-0 model: three copies, two media types, one offsite, one offline or immutable, and zero errors verified by testing.
TL;DR
Follow 3-2-1-1-0 with immutable backups, define RTO and RPO, and test restores quarterly.
What 3-2-1-1-0 really means
This is not a slogan. It is a checklist that ensures resilience when one layer fails. Cloud-only backups are not enough, and local-only backups are too risky. Combine both.
- 3 copies: production data plus two backups.
- 2 media types: local storage and cloud storage.
- 1 offsite: a copy in a separate location or cloud.
- 1 offline or immutable: protected from deletion.
- 0 errors: regular restore tests.
Immutable storage is the game changer
Many modern backup systems offer immutability, meaning backups cannot be altered for a defined period. This defeats ransomware attempts to delete or encrypt backups. If your backup tool does not support immutability, consider upgrading.
Define your RTO and RPO
How fast do you need systems back online? How much data can you afford to lose? These two answers define recovery time objective and recovery point objective. Use them to select a backup schedule and restore process that match business expectations.
Test restores, not just backups
Most businesses check that backups completed, but never verify that they can restore. Run a quarterly restore test for a file, a system, and a full environment. That is the only way to know you are ready.
Document who does what
Recovery is a team sport. Document the steps, assign owners, and store the runbook somewhere accessible. When an incident happens, clarity is the difference between a quick recovery and a long outage.
If you want a recovery plan that actually works in a crisis, we can design a 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy and run regular restore drills with your team.