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Learn how Storage by Firevault delivers the '0' in your 3-2-1-0 backup strategy.", "url": "https://fire-vault.com/learn/guides/storage-buyers-guide", "image": "https://zomvctmqpgirvjnvawlz.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/guides%2Fstorage-buyers-guide.jpg", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mark Fermor", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/#organization" }, "url": "https://fire-vault.com/why-oss/about" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-01-20T00:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-08-28T07:05:10.849702+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/learn/guides/storage-buyers-guide" }, "inLanguage": "en-GB", "articleSection": "Guides", "wordCount": 524, "isAccessibleForFree": true, "copyrightHolder": { "@id": "https://fire-vault.com/#organization" }, "copyrightYear": 2026 } ] --- Recent Breaches Breaches [2026 PowerSchool 62.4M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 DISA Global Solutions 3.3M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Globe Life 850K records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Lidl GB Customer contact data ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Asahi Group Production systems disrupted ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Kido International 8K records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Collins Aerospace (RTX) Check-in and boarding disruptio... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Jaguar Land Rover Production and IT systems disru... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Peter Green Chilled Order and logistics data ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Adidas UK Customer contact details ](/learn/breaches)[2026 PowerSchool 62.4M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 DISA Global Solutions 3.3M records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Globe Life 850K records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Lidl GB Customer contact data ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Asahi Group Production systems disrupted ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Kido International 8K records ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Collins Aerospace (RTX) Check-in and boarding disruptio... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Jaguar Land Rover Production and IT systems disru... ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Peter Green Chilled Order and logistics data ](/learn/breaches)[2026 Adidas UK Customer contact details ](/learn/breaches) [View All →](/learn/breaches) [![Firevault - offline secure storage, physically disconnected from the internet](/assets/logo-color-DBVl0KCg.png)](/) Products Solutions [Why OSS](/why-oss) More [Help](/help)[Get started](/get-started) Overview Executive SummaryWhat is Storage?What Storage is NOTWho is Storage For?The Problem Storage SolvesThe 3-2-1-0 ModelHow Storage WorksDeployment OptionsConnectivity OptionsSecurity and ComplianceOwnership ModelPricingGetting StartedNext StepsMore [Guides](/learn/knowledge?filter=guides) Guides · 20 January 2026 # Storage Buyer's Guide A decision-maker's guide to enterprise-scale offline storage infrastructure. Learn how Storage by Firevault delivers the '0' in your 3-2-1-0 backup strategy. ![Mark Fermor](/assets/mark-fermor-aWtKNSv7.jpg) Mark Fermor Director & Co-Founder, Firevault 3 min read Share [](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffire-vault.com%2Flearn%2Fguides%2Fstorage-buyers-guide)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffire-vault.com%2Flearn%2Fguides%2Fstorage-buyers-guide&text=Storage%20Buyer's%20Guide%0A%0AA%20decision-maker's%20guide%20to%20enterprise-scale%20offline%20storage%20infrastructure.%20Learn%20how%20Storage%20by%20Firevault%20delivers%20the%20'0'%20in%20your%203-2-1-0%20backup%20strategy.)[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffire-vault.com%2Flearn%2Fguides%2Fstorage-buyers-guide)[](mailto:?subject=Storage%20Buyer's%20Guide&body=A%20decision-maker's%20guide%20to%20enterprise-scale%20offline%20storage%20infrastructure.%20Learn%20how%20Storage%20by%20Firevault%20delivers%20the%20'0'%20in%20your%203-2-1-0%20backup%20strategy.%0A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Ffire-vault.com%2Flearn%2Fguides%2Fstorage-buyers-guide) ![Storage Buyer's Guide](https://zomvctmqpgirvjnvawlz.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/guides%2Fstorage-buyers-guide.jpg) Guides Why it matters ## What this means for organisations holding critical data A decision-maker's guide to enterprise-scale offline storage infrastructure. Learn how Storage by Firevault delivers the '0' in your 3-2-1-0 backup strategy. **On this page**[Executive Summary](#section-0)[What is Storage?](#section-1)[What Storage is NOT](#section-2)[Who is Storage For?](#section-3)[The Problem Storage Solves](#section-4)[The 3-2-1-0 Model](#section-5)[How Storage Works](#section-6)[Deployment Options](#section-7)[Connectivity Options](#section-8)[Security and Compliance](#section-9)[Ownership Model](#section-10)[Pricing](#section-11)[Getting Started](#section-12)[Next Steps](#section-13) On this page 1. [Executive Summary](#section-0) 2. [What is Storage?](#section-1) 3. [What Storage is NOT](#section-2) 4. [Who is Storage For?](#section-3) 5. [The Problem Storage Solves](#section-4) 6. [The 3-2-1-0 Model](#section-5) 7. [How Storage Works](#section-6) 8. [Deployment Options](#section-7) 9. [Connectivity Options](#section-8) 10. [Security and Compliance](#section-9) 11. [Ownership Model](#section-10) 12. [Pricing](#section-11) 13. [Getting Started](#section-12) 14. [Next Steps](#section-13) ## Executive Summary **Who this guide is for:** IT Directors, Infrastructure Managers, CISOs, and enterprise architects responsible for data protection at scale. **What you will learn:** How Storage by Firevault provides enterprise-grade offline storage infrastructure, what differentiates it from traditional backup, and how to evaluate whether it fits your architecture. **Key takeaway:** Storage is the '0' in the 3-2-1-0 model. It is the offline, unreachable layer that ensures recovery even when everything else is compromised. ## What is Storage? Storage by Firevault is a **scalable, offline storage system** designed to keep enterprise workloads out of reach from breaches, ransomware, and credential theft. Core characteristics: - **Enterprise capacity:** 20TB up to 300TB, expandable in defined steps - **Offline by default:** Physical disconnection, not software controls - **Full read/write access:** Two-way data movement during authorised windows - **Your hardware:** Dedicated infrastructure you legally own ## What Storage is NOT Storage is explicitly not: - **Not cloud backup or SaaS:** No standing connectivity, no shared tenancy - **Not a data diode or write-only vault:** Full two-way access when authorised - **Not always-online infrastructure:** Offline is the default state - **Not software-only protection:** Physical disconnection at the wire level ## Who is Storage For? Storage is designed for organisations that: - Hold [crown jewel data](/oss-for-business) (IP, customer records, operational systems) - Require proven offline backup for compliance or insurance - Need recovery assurance independent of production systems - Operate in sectors where ransomware is an existential threat ## The Problem Storage Solves Traditional backup fails when attackers have persistent access. Cloud backups can be encrypted alongside production data. Air-gapped tapes require physical logistics. Neither provides rapid, verified recovery. Storage provides the missing layer: an offline copy that is physically unreachable until you need it, with controlled connectivity for recovery. ## The 3-2-1-0 Model Industry best practice recommends: - **3** copies of data - **2** different storage types - **1** offsite copy - **0** online exposure for recovery copy Storage becomes that '0'. The offline layer that ensures recovery even when everything else is compromised. ## How Storage Works 1. **Data ingestion:** Connect via API or SFTP during authorised windows 2. **Verification:** Data integrity checks confirm successful transfer 3. **Disconnection:** Physical isolation until next authorised session 4. **Recovery:** Controlled reconnection for data retrieval when needed ## Deployment Options - **Firevault Bunkers:** Hosted in our secure colocation facilities - **On-premise:** Deployed in your own data centre - **Hybrid:** Split deployment for geographic resilience ## Connectivity Options Storage supports multiple connectivity methods: - REST API for programmatic access - SFTP for file-based workflows - Scheduled connection windows - On-demand session requests ## Security and Compliance Storage supports compliance with: - [NIST CSF](/solutions/control/frameworks/nist-csf) and NIST 800-53 - ISO/IEC 27001 - GDPR Article 32 - NIS2 resilience requirements - Sector-specific regulations (FCA, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) ## Ownership Model With Storage, you own the hardware: - Legal ownership of systems and data - Legal Recovery Assignment documentation - No third-party access (not even Firevault when offline) ## Pricing Storage pricing is based on capacity, deployment model, and service level. Enterprise pricing requires a discovery call to assess your specific requirements. ## Getting Started 1. **Architecture review:** Assess your data protection requirements 2. **Capacity planning:** Determine storage requirements 3. **Deployment design:** Select location and connectivity 4. **Provisioning:** Hardware allocation and configuration 5. **Integration:** Connect to your backup workflows ## Next Steps If your organisation needs proven offline storage for crown jewel data, book a technical consultation to discuss your architecture. About the author ![Mark Fermor](/assets/mark-fermor-aWtKNSv7.jpg) ### Mark Fermor [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfermor) Director & Co-Founder Co-founder of Firevault, focused on offline secure storage and protecting individuals and businesses from fraud, fines, loss and damage. Speaker, owner and advisor. The Firevault view**Offline Secure Storage® keeps a clean copy beyond the reach of an attacker.**[Why #OSS →](/why-oss) Control systems and access**Cut the physical paths attackers and third parties depend on.**[Explore Control →](/solutions/control) Get started**Get started, or talk to a member of the team.**[Get started →](/get-started) How Firevault would handle this ## A recovery copy an attacker cannot reach Offline Secure Storage® keeps a clean copy of your data on hardware that is physically disconnected, so backup and recovery do not depend on systems an intruder can touch. [Get started](/get-started)[Talk to the team](/demo) **Hardware**Your copy sits on dedicated encrypted hardware **Disconnect**Offline by default, connected only when you say so **Recovery**A known-clean copy to rebuild from, on your timetable **Location**Held in a secure Firevault Bunker ## Continue learning - [ ### IT Director's Guide to Ransomware Recovery, Backups and Infrastructure Resilience The practical recovery guide: immutable versus offline, Active Directory rebuild, management plane compromise, clean recovery environments, restore testing and realistic RTO and RPO. Read guide ](/learn/guides/it-director-guide-ransomware-recovery) - [ ### CISO Guide to Cyber Resilience: Risk, Recovery and Physical Control Threat modelling, attack paths, blast radius and recovery from the CISO seat, and an honest read of where Offline Secure Storage, Control Modules and Control Blueprints do and do not help. Read guide ](/learn/guides/ciso-guide-cyber-resilience) - [ ### Vault Buyer's Guide A decision-maker's guide to evaluating offline secure storage for personal and professional files. Learn what Vault is, who it is for, and how it protects your most sensitive data. Read guide ](/learn/guides/vault-buyers-guide) - [ ### Butterfly Deployment Model: Buyer's Guide Complete guide to the Butterfly Deployment Model and VPPP framework for enterprise-grade offline data protection architecture. Read guide ](/learn/guides/butterfly-buyers-guide) Related Reading ## You may also find these useful [ ![Protecting Students, Peers and Partners: A Practical Education Data Briefing](/__l5e/assets-v1/6ecf6bfc-3d28-40a7-8a6a-2d42fe36a21a/safeguarding-education-data-2026-v2-2x.jpg) Guides ### Protecting Students, Peers and Partners: A Practical Education Data Briefing A practical, forward-looking briefing to help schools, colleges and universities protect students, staff and partner data after the Department for Education breach. 29 Jul 2026 13 min ](/news/guide-safeguarding-education-data)[ ![Urgent Briefing and Advice: Protecting Personal Data for High-Profile Figures in the Public Eye](/__l5e/assets-v1/084c38b8-253b-4cc2-9056-c78a2fbd36c3/urgent-warning-triangle-20260714-2x.jpg) Guides ### Urgent Briefing and Advice: Protecting Personal Data for High-Profile Figures in the Public Eye Practical steps for serving and former politicians, councillors, campaigners, journalists, executives, broadcasters and anyone in the public eye, covering email security, device hygiene, threat handling and offline secure storage. 14 Jul 2026 22 min ](/news/urgent-guide-protecting-personal-data-high-profile-public-eye)[ ![500,000 Volunteers Breached Through Authorised Access: A Controlled Access Buyer's Guide](https://zomvctmqpgirvjnvawlz.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/article-images/news%2Fcontrolled-access-buyers-guide.jpg) Guides ### 500,000 Volunteers Breached Through Authorised Access: A Controlled Access Buyer's Guide In April 2026, approved researchers exfiltrated the health records, genetic data, and medical histories of 500,000 UK Biobank volunteers through authorised access channels, then listed the data for sale on Alibaba. The breach was not caused by a hack. It was caused by a model that assumes licence agreements can prevent data theft. This guide covers why that model fails and what physical controls replace it. 23 Apr 2026 18 min ](/news/controlled-access-buyers-guide-offline-secure-storage) ![Mark Fermor](/assets/mark-fermor-aWtKNSv7.jpg) ![David Bailey](/assets/david-bailey-Dgqj8eaE.jpg) ![Kenny Phipps](/assets/kenny-phipps-CVyooRsR.jpg) Online Now Concierge ## Put this guide into practice Ready to apply what you have learned? Explore how Firevault delivers the offline protection covered in this guide. Takes about 2 minutes. No account needed. Find Out Free 2 mins No sign-up