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Backup Strategy

Dhaki Backup Strategy Policy (3-2-1 Standard)⚓︎

At Dhaki, reliability is a non-negotiable part of our promise. To guarantee continuity and peace of mind, every project must implement the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy for system configurations, scenes, and critical automations.

What is the 3-2-1 Rule?⚓︎

The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy ensures data is always protected by keeping:

  • 3 copies of critical data (1 primary + 2 backups)
  • 2 different storage types (e.g., local and cloud)
  • 1 copy offsite (outside the client’s network/location)

This approach minimizes risk from hardware failure, accidental deletion, cyber threats, or physical damage.

How Dhaki Implements 3-2-1⚓︎

Dhaki uses Home Assistant’s built-in backup functionality (snapshots) combined with external storage to enforce the policy:

1. Three Copies⚓︎

  • Primary → Active Home Assistant instance running at the client’s site.
  • Backup 1 → Local backup stored on a secure, separate medium (e.g., NAS or external SSD in the client’s home).
  • Backup 2 → Remote/offsite backup stored in encrypted cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, or secure partner-managed cloud).

2. Two Storage Types⚓︎

  • Type A (Local Storage): Direct access within the home (NAS, SSD, or USB connected to the server).
  • Type B (Cloud Storage): Integrated Home Assistant add-ons (e.g., Google Drive Backup Add-on) ensure a remote, encrypted copy is always available.

3. One Offsite Copy⚓︎

  • At least one backup must exist outside the client’s physical property.
  • Dhaki recommends a secure cloud backup or replication to a partner-controlled encrypted server for premium clients.

Backup Frequency⚓︎

  • Daily incremental backups of configurations and scenes.
  • Weekly full backups (system state + add-ons + automations).
  • Pre-change backups before major updates, upgrades, or custom modifications.

Recovery Standards⚓︎

  • Backups must be test-restored in staging (secondary Home Assistant instance or virtualized environment).
  • Documentation of backup and recovery procedures must be stored in Dhaki’s internal project files.
  • In case of system failure, recovery time must be under 4 hours for premium clients.

Home Assistant Integration⚓︎

Dhaki-approved implementation steps:

  1. Enable Automatic Backups
  2. Use the Google Drive Backup Add-on or equivalent.

  3. Configure retention policy: keep at least 30 daily + 4 weekly + 3 monthly snapshots.

  4. Encrypt Backups

  5. Apply password protection on snapshots.

  6. Encrypt cloud-stored files.

  7. Store Locally

  8. Configure an external SSD/NAS mount for redundancy.

  9. Monitor & Alerts

  10. Home Assistant should notify Dhaki support if:
    • A backup fails.
    • Storage space is insufficient.
    • A backup is older than 24 hours.

Dhaki Policy Statement⚓︎

All Dhaki-managed systems must implement the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy.
Backups are not optional; they are part of Dhaki’s reliability standard.

Failure to maintain compliance with this policy disqualifies a project from being Dhaki Certified.