How to make a simple website backup without losing data

Any error, server failure, or hacker attack can lead to data loss and website downtime. To avoid this, don't forget about backups — a simple but extremely effective measure that will help you quickly restore your resource. Read on to find out how to set it up.

Why backup is important

Even at the stage of creating a website, it is important to understand why you need to regularly back up your website:

• even accidental deletion of files or disk failure will not lead to the loss of your resource if you have an up-to-date copy of it;
• if the site is attacked by malware, making its data inaccessible to users, the saved copy will help restore it without having to pay the attackers;
• quick recovery of the site after a failure reduces downtime and associated costs;
• for many industries, backup is an important element of data and critical service protection;
• backups allow you to roll back to a working version of the site in case of update errors or incorrect actions by employees, ensuring reliable data protection.

Thus, regular copying is not just a recommendation, but a necessary practice for any website owner.

Types of backup

To set up a backup correctly, it is important to understand what types of backup exist and how they differ.

Full and incremental

There are two types of copying: full and incremental. What is the difference between them and when to use each one:

• full — all data is copied each time. This is the easiest way to restore a website to working order, but it requires more time and storage space. Therefore, it is better to use it for periodic copying, for example, once a week;
• incremental — only saves the changes that have been made since the last backup, convenient for daily use. This approach saves space and speeds up the process, but if at least one increment in the chain is damaged, it will not be possible to fully restore the information.

The optimal strategy is a combination of full and incremental backups. The first option provides a reliable foundation, while the second saves space and allows you to always have up-to-date data at your fingertips.

Local and cloud storage

Backups can be stored locally or in the cloud:

• local storage (on a server or external drive) provides quick access and complete control over copies. However, it is vulnerable to physical damage (fire, flooding, theft) and does not protect against attacks on the server itself;
• cloud storage is more reliable in terms of physical security, as the data is located outside the main server, but it is important to consider versioning policies and data recovery capabilities. The most popular options for cloud backup are Google Drive and Dropbox.

The optimal solution is to combine local and cloud copies. This approach provides protection against various risks and increases the reliability of the website backup, ensuring its quick return to working condition.

How to automate website backup

When developing a corporate website or any other resource, it is important to consider how to automate the backup process. Otherwise, it will have to be done manually, which is not always convenient.

Plugins and services

The easiest way to automate website backup is through special programs and tools. In this case, copying is performed strictly according to a schedule, and restoration is reduced to a few clicks. The following services are in high demand:

• UpdraftPlus is one of the most popular plugins for WordPress. Even in the free version, it can make full copies and store them in Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. The premium version adds incremental backups, which is especially useful for resources with frequently updated content. For small projects, UpdraftPlus is usually more than enough;
• BackupBuddy is a plugin from iThemes for WordPress with an extended set of features. It is paid, but it is suitable for users who want complete control over the backup and recovery process. Its arsenal includes built-in cloud storage, site migration capabilities, and convenient copy management. BackupBuddy is most often used by developers and agencies working on multiple projects simultaneously.

When choosing a tool, it is important to consider the specifics of the project. For a personal blog or landing page development, UpdraftPlus is a good choice, where you can set up a schedule for full and incremental backups (in the Premium version). For an online store or resource with transactions, it is better to use services that perform cloud backups and do not overload your hosting (Jetpack Backup, BlogVault). If you manage dozens of websites, you should check out BackupBuddy, a paid plugin with advanced migration and backup management features that is often chosen by developers.

Security recommendations

When setting up backups, it is important to remember to protect your site and follow security rules:

• encryption — always encrypt data when storing and transferring backups. This will protect your information if an attacker gains access to it. Many cloud services offer built-in encryption, but you can additionally encrypt the archive before uploading it;
• strong passwords and access rights — limit the number of people who can manage backups. To do this, use complex passwords, two-factor authentication, and store login details separately from the main website. Weak account protection can negate all efforts to create and store copies, as attackers can gain access to them.

The IT company Megasite provides website creation and support services in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine. At an affordable price, we will help you choose the best way to protect your data, set up automatic website backups, and ensure quick recovery after a failure. This will allow you to focus on developing your project without worrying about the safety of your information.