Sync replicates deletions and mistakes to the target. Real backup should support version history and rollback.
Run Restore Drills Regularly
Run restore tests at least quarterly to ensure recovery works when it matters.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we get asked most about this tool.
What is the 3-2-1 backup rule?
The 3-2-1 rule is the widely accepted best practice for data safety: 1) keep 3 copies of the data (one original plus two backups); 2) store them on 2 different kinds of media (for example a drive and cloud storage); 3) keep at least 1 copy off-site. Together this covers drive failure, accidental deletion, ransomware, fire and flood.
Where is the safest place to back up a NAS?
The safest strategy combines layers: 1) a local backup on an external drive or a second NAS for fast restores; 2) an off-site backup at a friend's place or a colocation facility to survive a local disaster; 3) cloud backup to an archive tier for off-site storage without running hardware. Pick the combination that fits your data volume and budget; for critical data, do all three.
Is cloud backup expensive? What does a year cost?
Cloud backup cost depends on data volume and access frequency. For 1TB of cold data, an archive tier typically costs tens to around a hundred units of local currency per year; standard storage costs considerably more. Frequent retrieval adds egress charges. Put important but rarely accessed data in an archive tier and everyday documents on standard storage or a local drive.
How often should I back up?
Frequency depends on how important the data is and how often it changes: 1) critical data — daily or continuous sync; 2) important personal data such as photos and documents — once or twice a week; 3) ordinary files — monthly. Most NAS systems support scheduled incremental backups that only transfer changed files, so backing up more often is cheap.
Are external drives reliable for backup?
External drives are the most cost-effective local backup, with caveats: 1) buy reputable brands rather than no-name enclosures; 2) check SMART health regularly; 3) treat it as only one copy under the 3-2-1 rule; 4) power it down and store it dry after each backup to reduce runtime; 5) replace it every 2-3 years and keep the old one as a third-tier copy.
Isn't RAID a backup?
RAID is not a backup. RAID only protects against drive failure; it does nothing about accidental deletion, ransomware, theft, fire or flood, controller failure, or file-system corruption. A real backup is a separate copy in a different physical place. Treating RAID as a backup is one of the most common causes of data loss.
