CriticalGuide•

Homelab Backup Strategy: The 3-2-1 Rule Explained

Never lose data again. Complete backup strategy with the 3-2-1 rule, tools, and automation.

Data loss can happen to anyone. Hardware failure, ransomware, or simple mistakes - you need backups.

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule

3 copies of data on 2 different media types with 1 copy offsite

What to Back Up

  • Configuration: Docker configs, docker-compose files
  • Data: Databases, user files, photos
  • Secrets: Passwords, API keys, certificates

Backup Tools

  • Restic: Fast, encrypted, deduplication
  • Rclone: Cloud sync, 70+ providers
  • Borg: Deduplication, compression
  • Duplicati: Web UI, encrypted backups

Example Restic Setup

# Initialize backup repo
restic init --repo /backup

# Back up data
restic backup /data --repo /backup

# Schedule daily
0 2 * * * restic backup /data --repo /backup

Offsite Destinations

  • Backblaze B2: $6/TB/month - cheapest
  • Wasabi: $7/TB/month - no egress fees
  • Storj: $4/TB/month - decentralized

Test Your Backups!

  • Restore to a test VM monthly
  • Verify critical data is recoverable
  • Document your recovery process

Article updated February 26, 2026