The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for protecting data: by separating limited data from the data storage on a primary host, and retaining only header information and the header information key at the primary host, and without the inclusion of any header information or identification of data, sending and storing the limited data at a secondary host, wherein retaining that limited portion of the data, and generating a limited data key to identify the limited portion of the data, and storing and connecting the generated key with the limited data, and sending and storing the limited data key to a tertiary host, wherein the limited data key being stored and connected with the header information key. Furthermore, to provide means for strong validation as well as header information key synchronization, a plurality of predetermined code set values being contained in data tables at each host, from which a different code value being used for each transmission of data sent and received. Upon receiving each code, the code set validation process executes by means of matching the received code, followed by sending the next code within the code set, for every transmission leg, by consecutively pointing to the correct code value in the code set subsequently required of the data operation. The code set furthermore providing the key synchronization of the data header key, that value also being referenced in like manner for the exclusive use of linking data at the primary and tertiary hosts.