What is a website backup? Definition & why it matters Bryn Glover, November 6, 2023April 3, 2024 Home » Security » What is a website backup? Definition & why it mattersWhether you run a website for personal use or as a business, it’s important to realise that it is a valuable digital asset.However, in the unpredictable online world, websites can be vulnerable to various risks, such as hacking, data corruption or server failure. To ensure the long-term security of your website, it is crucial to understand what a website backup is, and why it’s fundamental to your digital strategy. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Table of Contents What is a website backup?A website backup is a copy or duplicate of all the data, files and content that make up your personal or business website.A backup will include HTML files, images, databases, media and any other elements that are included in your online presence.The primary reason for creating a website backup is to have a secure and recoverable version of your site in case of an unexpected event that takes you offline. This might be a data loss, hack, server crash or even accidental deletion.Types of website backupThere are various forms of backup. Which you choose or have access to will depend on a few factors. In the sections below, you can find out a little more about the options available.Full backupIncremental backupsDifferential backupsManual backupsAutomatic backupsYou can click on any of the options in the list above to skip ahead.Full backupA full backup, as you might expect, will capture your entire website. It contains all files, databases and settings. Full backups are a comprehensive option but can be relatively large in size, depending on the size of your live site.Incremental backupsIncremental backups store just the changes made between your last backup and the latest one. This approach reduces storage space requirements and also speeds up the backup process.Differential backupsDifferential backups include all changes made since the last full backup. They are more extensive than incremental backups but provide a quicker recovery process if needed.Manual backupsManual backups are typically done on an ad-hoc basis by website owners or administrators. Given the need for human involvement, this option is best used if you have a consistent process in place to make sure backup data is stored frequently.Automatic backupsMany of the best website hosting providers offer an automated backup service that will take regular snapshots of your website to store up-to-date versions.Why website backups are importantThere are several reasons to make sure your site is backed up regularly. Take a look at the sections below to find out more.Data recoveryProtection against hackingBusiness continuityContent and database securitySoftware updates and changesDisaster recoveryYou can choose an option from the list above to skip ahead. Data recoveryWhen you run a website, things can happen and it’s possible that you will suffer a data loss due to internal human error, hacks from would-be attackers, or even technical glitches. With a website backup, you can quickly restore your site to its previously safe state in the event of an issue.Protection against hackingA website backup is key to good website security because websites are common targets for hackers. A backup will ensure your site and data are recoverable in the event that it is compromised by malicious software.Business continuityIf you’re running an online store or business website of any sort, downtime can result in financial loss. Website backups provide a means to restore your website swiftly, allowing you to minimise disruptions.Content and database securityValuable content and customer data can be compromised or lost for a number of reasons. Regular backups protect you in the event of a data breach or corruption by providing access, via backup, to the data you might otherwise lose.Software updates and changesSometimes a software update or change in website configuration can lead to unintended consequences. A website backup can provide a safety net in the event that something goes wrong and you need to undo any changes.Disaster recoveryNatural disasters or unforeseen server issues can cause significant data loss. Website backups ensure that your site can be resurrected on a different server, in a different location if necessary.How to create and manage a website backupThere are several steps to bear in mind when it comes to handling your website backup. Take a look at the guidance below to better understand how to get started.Step 1: Choose a backup methodStep 2: Decide on backup frequencyStep 3: Choose a location for backup storageStep 4: Test backupsStep 5: Keep multiple copiesYou can click any of the steps to skip ahead. Otherwise, read on for the full guide.Step 1: Choose a backup methodFirst, you’ll need to determine whether you want to use an internal manual or automatic backup method, or whether you’ll rely on your hosting provider for backups.This option will likely be dictated by how much time or expertise you have. An automatic process, handled by your hosting provider, is likely to be the simplest route to take.Step 2: Decide on backup frequencyNext, you’ll want to decide how often you will create backups of your site. This may depend on how frequently you update your site, but it may also be decided based on the importance or value of your website. For example, a more valuable site generating a lot of traffic or revenue will likely need more frequent updates than a brand-new, low-traffic site.If your hosting provider is handling the backup process, they will likely provide a default frequency. Whether you can increase or decrease the frequency of updates will normally depend on the plan you’ve chosen, which will be determined by the monthly fee you pay for the service.Step 3: Choose a location for backup storageBackups should be stored in a secure location that is separate from your website server. Storing them in the same location significantly undermines the value of having the backup in the first place.Cloud storage or external servers are commonly used for this service. As above, if you are using a hosting provider for backups, they will usually have a part of their system set aside to back up the sites they manage.Step 4: Test backupsYou should regularly test your backups to make sure they are working correctly and can be successfully restored. The last thing you want is to have the first time you use a backup after an incident, as you might then find issues that cannot be resolved.Step 5: Keep multiple copiesIdeally, you would maintain multiple backups, including several recent versions. This provides a historical record and allows you to restore to an earlier version.For example, you may realise that an issue is live on your site that was also live at the last backup. In that case, you may need to revert to an even earlier version to resolve the problem.What is a website backup? Final thoughtsA website backup is like an insurance policy for your digital presence. It makes sure that, if you come up against an issue online, your website can be quickly restored to a previous version, as in before the issue arrived.The importance of website backups cannot be overstated. Whether you’re running an ecommerce website, blog or business portal, investing in a process for regular backups is one of the best ways to safeguard your online operations. Bryn Glover Bryn is the founder and editor of WebsiteJumpStart. He has worked in the digital field for over a decade and was editor for Startups.co.uk - the UK's leading small business website - and for NerdWallet UK before launching WebsiteJumpStart to help people and businesses get online with ease. What is anti-malware and how does it work? The internet offers countless opportunities, but it also presents a range of security challenges. Malware, short for malicious software, is a threat that can compromise your data, privacy and digital life. In order to safeguard your devices and sensitive information, it is crucial to understand what anti-malware software is, and Read More » November 6, 2023 No Comments What is a password manager? Definition & features In an online world password security is vital. 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