There are a lot of options when it comes to backing up your data, each with its own procedures and parameters. Still, there’s one rule of thumb—and a few best practices—that apply to any data backup.

Consider all of the following when creating your own data backup strategy.

Backing up isn’t a one-and-done approach. You want as many layers of data backup as you can get. For this reason, the 3-2-1 backup strategy is the gold standard for backing up your data.

The concept: create three copies of your data on at least two storage solutions, one of which is stored remotely.

Remember your RPO? The longer the span of time you leave between your data backups, the more data you might lose. So, back up regularly and often.

For cell phones especially, application data is one of the more difficult things to back up because the data can change daily. If you rely a lot on apps, you might need a data backup solution that backs up regularly — daily or more often — without you having to take action, such as by enabling auto-updates.

You might save a few pennies by only storing what you absolutely can’t replace. But data storage can be cheap, so why not just back up everything?

In doing so, consider what data storage options make the most sense with which data. For instance, if your house is flooded, a physical data backup like removable media might be lost. But data that’s backed up on the cloud will not, so you might want to consider storing your irreplaceable information there.

In the end, you don’t have to pick between a physical data backup and backing up in the cloud.

Choosing both is your safest bet because the more places your data is backed up, the better.

Don’t underestimate the value of having physical copies of things like your bank statements and tax records or even home title. It’s a good idea to keep a file of your most important documents, in addition to any digital data backups you have.

Your documents are likely the most important part of your data backup. So take time to organize them. That way, you can be confident you’ve backed up everything you need.

As we evolve into a world filled with digital citizens, data backups shouldn’t feel like a chore. They should provide peace of mind that you’ve done all you can to safeguard your important information and treasured memories against life’s unknowns.