What is Backup?

A separate, recoverable copy of your important data, following the practice that a backup you haven't tested restoring isn't a backup.

How it works

Full-disk encryption protects data at rest but does nothing if the drive dies. The durable rule is 3-2-1: three copies, two media, one offsite. Encrypt backups of sensitive data.

Example

In practiceYou keep an encrypted backup on an external drive and a second offsite copy, and you periodically test that you can actually restore from them.

How often should I back up?

As often as you can afford to lose work. Automate it, keep one copy offsite, and test a restore before you need it.

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