SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are key components of the 3-2-1 backup rule?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 SSCP 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.
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.
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.
- ✓
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.
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Related to this question
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on SSCP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An organization's backup policy states: 'Maintain three copies of data on two different media types, with one copy stored offsite.' This is known as:
medium- A.Incremental backup strategy
- B.Grandfather-father-son rotation
- ✓ C.3-2-1 rule
- D.Disaster recovery plan
Why C: The 3-2-1 rule is a foundational data backup strategy that mandates maintaining three total copies of data, stored on two different types of media (e.g., disk and tape), with one copy located offsite to protect against site-level disasters. This directly matches the policy described, making option C correct.
Variation 2. Which of the following is a key principle of the 3-2-1 backup rule?
easy- A.Two copies on three different media types with one onsite
- B.One copy on two different media types with three offsite
- ✓ C.Three copies on two different media types with one offsite
- D.Three copies on three different media types with two offsite
Why C: The 3-2-1 backup rule is a foundational data protection strategy: maintain three copies of your data (one primary and two backups), store them on two different media types (e.g., disk and tape, or local SSD and cloud object storage), and ensure at least one copy is stored offsite to protect against site-level disasters. Option C correctly captures this: three copies, two media types, one offsite.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.