A solid backup strategy is your last line of defense against data loss, ransomware, and website disasters. Here's how to do it right.
Why Backups Matter
Without proper backups, you could lose everything:
- A hacker defaces or destroys your site
- Ransomware encrypts your files
- A bad software update corrupts your database
- Your hosting provider has a catastrophic failure
- An employee accidentally deletes important files
The 3-2-1 Rule
Follow this time-tested backup strategy:
- 3 copies of your data (production + 2 backups)
- 2 different storage media (not all on the same system)
- 1 copy offsite (protected from local disasters)
What to Back Up
Database
Your website's database contains all your content, user data, and settings. This is often the most critical component.
Files
This includes:
- Website code and themes
- Uploaded media (images, documents)
- Configuration files
- Custom scripts or plugins
Configuration
Document your hosting configuration, DNS settings, and any server-level customizations.
Backup Frequency
Your backup frequency should match how often your site changes:
- High-traffic sites with frequent updates: Daily or multiple times per day
- Active business sites: Daily
- Mostly static sites: Weekly, with daily database backups
Critical Backup Practices
Test Your Restores
A backup is useless if you can't restore from it. Regularly test that you can actually recover your site from your backups.
Automate Everything
Manual backups are forgotten. Automate your backup process so it happens reliably without human intervention.
Monitor Backup Success
Set up alerts for backup failures. You don't want to discover your backups haven't been running after you need them.
Secure Your Backups
Backups contain all your sensitive data. Encrypt them and protect access carefully.
Retention Policy
Keep multiple versions going back in time. If your site is infected with malware, you may not discover it for days or weeks.
Common Backup Mistakes
- Only backing up to the same server—If the server fails, you lose everything
- Not testing restores—Corrupted backups won't help you
- Manual-only backups—They won't happen consistently
- No offsite copies—Local disasters take out all local backups
- Ignoring the database—The database is often more important than files
Ransomware Considerations
Ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting backups too:
- Keep at least one backup offline or air-gapped
- Use backup solutions that support immutable backups
- Monitor for unauthorized access to backup systems
Recovery Time Objectives
Know how quickly you can recover:
- How long will it take to restore from backup?
- Do you have the expertise to perform a restore?
- What's the business impact of downtime?
Getting Help
Website backup and recovery can be complex. If you're not confident in your backup strategy, it's worth getting professional help to set it up correctly.
*Our website protection service includes automated daily backups with offsite storage, regular test restores, and rapid recovery support if you ever need it.*