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[JavaLawyer]

Contrary to popular belief, RAID-1 is not an acceptable backup strategy for storing data

Why RAID-1 is NOT a Backup

• A virus infecting one volume will infect the mirror in real time [may result in a 100% data loss]
  
• Files accidentally deleted from one volume are deleted from the mirror in real time [may result in 100% loss of deleted data]*
  
• A RAID-1 array may become corrupted (as may any data storage) [may result in a 100% data loss]
  
• A RAID-1 array may be accidentally formatted [may result in a 100% data loss]
  
• The ShareCenter containing the RAID may be physically damaged [may result in a 100% data loss]
  
  

Separate Physical Backup

• If a virus infects the primary storage, the backup volume is safe [0% data loss]**
  
• Files accidentally deleted from the primary storage are not immediately deleted from the backup [0% data loss]**
  
• If the primary storage becomes corrupted, the backup is safe [0% data loss]
  
• If the primary storage is accidentally formatted, the backup is safe [0% data loss]
  
• If the primary storage device is physically damaged, the backup is safe [0% data loss]
  
  

* Note: The recycling bin option on newer ShareCenters may protect against deleted data (in some circumstances), but if this feature is accidentally disabled or doesn't function properly, deleted data is subject to permanent loss.
** Note: If a scheduled backup completes after an accidental data deletion or virus infection, it is possible that deletions/virus will propagate to the backup depending on how the backup software is configured and on whether the virus is detected prior performing the backup job.