Why are backups essential for media files and what is a simple 3-2-1 backup strategy?

Why are backups essential for media files and what is a simple 3-2-1 backup strategy?

• A. To speed up editing; three copies on the same device
• B. To prevent data loss; three copies, two different media, one off-site
• C. To prevent data loss; three copies on one device
• D. To ensure security; keep only one copy

Answer: (C)

Backups protect media files from loss due to drive failures, human error, corruption, malware, or disasters. A simple 3-2-1 approach provides reliable protection by ensuring you aren’t relying on a single copy or a single storage path. The idea is to have three total copies of your data, stored on at least two different types of storage media, with at least one copy kept off-site. This combination guards against different failure modes: if one device fails, you still have another copy; using different media reduces the chance that both copies fail because of the same media issue; and having one off-site copy protects against local disasters like fire or flooding. Storing all copies on one device defeats the purpose of a backup because a single event could wipe every copy. Keeping only one copy offers no protection at all.

Backups protect media files from loss due to drive failures, human error, corruption, malware, or disasters. A simple 3-2-1 approach provides reliable protection by ensuring you aren’t relying on a single copy or a single storage path. The idea is to have three total copies of your data, stored on at least two different types of storage media, with at least one copy kept off-site. This combination guards against different failure modes: if one device fails, you still have another copy; using different media reduces the chance that both copies fail because of the same media issue; and having one off-site copy protects against local disasters like fire or flooding. Storing all copies on one device defeats the purpose of a backup because a single event could wipe every copy. Keeping only one copy offers no protection at all.