Think Your Team Can Spot a Phishing Email? Put Them to the Test
Let me start with a real quick story. A few years back, I was assisting a small business recovering from a ransomware attack. They had backups — or so they thought. Turns out, their only backup was on the same server that got encrypted. The situation was so tense at that time. That day, I promised myself I’d never let another client go through a situation like that. Enter the 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy — the smartest way to protect your data in 2025.
In this blog, we’ll break down what this strategy means, why it matters, and how ComputerWorks can help you implement it without the tech headaches.
Why Backup Strategies Matter More Than Ever
Cyber threats are evolving very rapidly. Ransomware attacks are not exceptions any longer, but a given. Actually, it is estimated that more than 75 percent of the IT organizations will be attacked by at least one cyberattack by 2025. And that is not only big companies. This is an area of small businesses that can be easily targeted as they cannot have substantial defences.
That’s why having a resilient backup strategy isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.
What Is the 3-2-1-1-0 Backup Strategy?
This is the golden rule of today’s data security. It is an upgrade of a classic 3-2-1 rule, which is aimed at addressing modern threats, such as ransomware, or hardware failure, and human error.
Here’s the breakdown:
3 – Keep Three Copies of Your Data
You need:
- The original (your working data)
- A local backup
- A remote/cloud backup
This ensures redundancy. If one fails, you’ve got two more lifelines.
2 – Use Two Different Types of Storage Media
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use a mix like:
- External hard drives
- Network-attached storage (NAS)
- Cloud platforms
This protects against vulnerabilities in any one medium.
1 – Store One Copy Offsite
In the event of a flood or a fire in your office, your local backups are burned. A copy that is off site, such as the cloud or a separate geographic site, can at least then enable you to recover.
1 – Keep One Copy Immutable or Air-Gapped
This is the difference-maker. An immutable backup is not changeable or deletable. Air-gapped Backup is not connected with your network. They both safeguard against back-capture ransomware.
0 – Ensure Zero Backup Errors
Backups are useless if they’re corrupted. Regularly test your backups to make sure they’re complete and restorable. This step is often overlooked — until it’s too late.
Real-Life Example: Why This Strategy Works
One of our clients at ComputerWorks, a local accounting firm, thought they were safe with daily backups. But they never tested them. When a ransomware attack hit, their backups were corrupted. Luckily, we had helped them set up an immutable cloud backup a few months earlier. That untouched copy saved their business.
How ComputerWorks.ca Makes Backup Easy
We know backup strategies can sound technical and overwhelming. That’s why we simplify it for you.
Here’s what we offer:
Tailored Backup Plans
We assess your business needs and design a backup strategy that fits your budget and risk profile.
Cloud + Local Integration
We set up hybrid systems using both local devices and secure cloud platforms — giving you speed and resilience.
Immutable Backup Setup
We configure backups that can’t be tampered with — even by ransomware.
Regular Testing & Monitoring
Our team runs restore tests and monitors your backups 24/7 to ensure zero errors.
Cybersecurity Training
We train your staff to spot phishing and other threats — because human error is still the #1 cause of breaches.
Why Choose ComputerWorks.ca?
We’re not just another IT provider. We’re your technology partner. Based in the Greater Vancouver and Lower Mainland areas, we specialize in:
- Backup and Business Continuity
- Cybersecurity and Insurance Compliance
- Cloud Hosting and VoIP Systems
- Microsoft 365 Integration
- 24/7 Monitoring and Support
Our mission is simple: Make technology work for you. Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, we help you stay secure, productive, and prepared.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Disaster
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this — you don’t appreciate backups until you need them. And by then, it might be too late.
The 3-2-1-1-0 strategy isn’t just a checklist. It’s peace of mind. It’s knowing that no matter what happens — ransomware, fire, human error — your data is safe, recoverable, and intact.