You know you need it, so you join the gym, start the diet… all those new year, new you resolutions that will protect your health and save you heartache down the line. But what about your digital health? Almost all of us have experienced that heart stopping moment when the screen goes blank. When the device slips past our grip and shatters on the ground.

The moment when we go from thinking, “&*%# !” to “When’s the last time I made a backup?”

Why not take advantage of the lull in the holiday season and start fresh for the new year totally organized and secure? We’ll help you with this simple strategy that ensures you’ll never have to survive an unexpected digital life crisis ever again. It’s a backup strategy called the 3-2-1 method, and we put together this guide to help you get started now.

So, what exactly is the 3-2-1 backup method?

The idea is you’ll have 3 copies of your data, 2 locally (one on the main device, one on a backup device), and 1 copy in a different location (on the cloud or a different physical location).

As an example, let’s say you stopped at Philly Boys with the family when you were driving through Galt, and posed with your foot longs for an epic family photo. Let’s use “PhillyBoys.jpeg” as an example file you would back up using this system.  You have the photo on your phone, that’s one local device. If you have an iPhone, you might be using iCloud to back up to your computer at home automatically, there’s another local copy of your data. And thirdly, there’s a copy stored on iCloud, your off-site backup copy.

In fact, using a cloud service as both an off-site copy of your data in addition to a tool for keeping multiple devices updated with your data can make applying the 3-2-1 method automatic. Set it up now, thank yourself later. And forget about it in-between.

So why even bother with having 2 local copies of your data, if it’s backed up to the cloud anyway? Having your data updated on multiple devices you have immediate access to is the best way to make sure you have everything you need at all times.

This is a great start, but that off-site backup is an important part of the strategy, whether it’s the cloud or a physical device in a different location. If the two local devices are both affected by whatever disaster occurred, that third copy will be a lifesaver.

Softcom offers speedy, stress-free streaming connectivity backed by next-gen technology, exceptional customer service, and a focus on making sure you enjoy reliable rural internet access no matter where you work or live. Check out our wide selection of High-Speed Internet solutions to keep your digital life organized and secure.