- A
One copy stored in a different geographic location
Why wrong: The rule requires one copy offsite, which is a different location, but the phrase 'different geographic location' is ambiguous; the correct term is offsite.
- B
Daily full backups
Why wrong: The rule does not specify backup frequency.
- C
All backups must be encrypted
Why wrong: Encryption is recommended but not part of the 3-2-1 rule.
- D
At least three copies of the data
Three copies include the original and two backups.
- E
At least two different media types
Using different media types (e.g., disk and tape) protects against a single point of failure.
Question 787 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are key components of the 3-2-1 backup rule?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
At least three copies of the data
The 3-2-1 backup rule mandates at least three copies of the data (one primary and two backups) to ensure redundancy against failures. Option D directly states this requirement, which is the '3' in the rule.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
One copy stored in a different geographic location
Why it's wrong here
The rule requires one copy offsite, which is a different location, but the phrase 'different geographic location' is ambiguous; the correct term is offsite.
- ✗
Daily full backups
Why it's wrong here
The rule does not specify backup frequency.
- ✗
All backups must be encrypted
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is recommended but not part of the 3-2-1 rule.
- ✓
At least three copies of the data
Why this is correct
Three copies include the original and two backups.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
At least two different media types
Why this is correct
Using different media types (e.g., disk and tape) protects against a single point of failure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the exact wording of the 3-2-1 rule, and candidates mistakenly think 'different geographic location' is a separate numbered component, but it is actually the '1' (one offsite copy) and not a distinct key component like the number of copies or media types.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The rule requires one copy offsite, which is a different location, but the phrase 'different geographic location' is ambiguous; the correct term is offsite.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 3-2-1 rule is a foundational data protection strategy: three copies of data, stored on two different media types (e.g., disk and tape, or local NAS and cloud object storage), with one copy offsite to protect against site-level disasters. In practice, the 'two different media types' helps mitigate against media-specific failures, such as a firmware bug affecting all disks of a certain model, while the offsite copy ensures recovery from events like fire or flood. This rule is often implemented using backup software that supports multi-destination jobs and media rotation schemes.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: At least three copies of the data — The 3-2-1 backup rule mandates at least three copies of the data (one primary and two backups) to ensure redundancy against failures. Option D directly states this requirement, which is the '3' in the rule.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.
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