# Backup Strategies (Full/Incremental/Differential/Synthetic)
One-sentence definition: Methods to copy data for recovery with trade-offs in time and storage.
## Key Facts
- Full: easiest restore, heaviest backup; Incremental: fastest backup; Differential: middle.
- Synthetic fulls merge incrementals to reduce window.
- Keep 3-2-1: 3 copies, 2 media, 1 offsite/immutable.
- Encrypt at rest/in transit; test restores regularly.
- **Verify:** check official (ISC)² CBK and current exam outline.
## Exam Relevance
- Match method to RTO/RPO and bandwidth/storage constraints.
**Mnemonic:** “**Full** easy restore, **incr** easy backup.”
## Mini Scenario
Q: Limited backup window, aggressive RPO—pick?
A: Incrementals with periodic synthetic fulls.
## Revision Checklist
- Define three types.
- 3-2-1 rule.
- Encryption/test rule.
## Related
[[Restore Testing and Recovery Procedures]] · [[Disaster Recovery Strategies (RTO RPO Hot Warm Cold)]] · [[Identity Resilience and DR]] · [[Ransomware Readiness Assessment]] · [[Business Continuity Operations and Crisis Communications]] · [[Domain 7 - Index]]