The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Insurance for Your Life’s Work

Imagine years of experiments, countless hours of analysis, and groundbreaking discoveries vanishing in an instant due to a spilled coffee or a single hard drive failure. Your research data is likely your most valuable professional asset, yet many labs rely on a "single point of failure."

In this episode of The Canadian Data Steward, we explore the cornerstone of modern research data management: The 3-2-1 Backup Rule. We break down the classic "gold standard" of having three copies of your data, on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite.

But the threat landscape has changed. We also dive into how modern threats like ransomware actively hunt down network-connected backups, necessitating an evolution of the rule. Join us as we upgrade the standard to the "3-2-1-1-0 Rule," discussing the critical importance of air-gapped copies and the necessity of testing your restores for zero errors.

Whether motivated by the fear of catastrophe or mandates from major funding bodies, this episode provides actionable steps to build a "data fortress" and ensure your contribution to the scientific record endures.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the risks of the "single point of failure."
A clear breakdown of the classic 3-2-1 Backup Rule.
Why ransomware requires upgrading to the 3-2-1-1-0 strategy (Immutable/Air-gapped + Zero Errors).
Why major funders now mandate formal data management plans.
Practical steps: Automating backups, using checksums, and testing restores.