Data backup is a must when you’re running your own business online. Creating backups can prevent many unwanted consequences tied to changes on your site. How do you back up data effectively, and what is the 3-2-1 rule?
What is a backup
Before we explain what the 3-2-1 rule is, we need to explain what a backup actually is. A backup is a copy of your files and database. It lets you restore your site to the exact state it was in at the moment the copy was made.
Why is it worth making backups?
Having a backup protects you against the unpleasant consequences of data loss or corruption. Everyone should take care of backups, because data loss can happen for a variety of reasons — theft or deliberate sabotage, for example. Sometimes hardware failure or human error is behind the data loss, and that’s exactly where a backup comes to the rescue. Data backup is insurance against unfortunate incidents affecting your files and database.
A key issue – security
A WordPress backup is your safety net. If you want to be confident that your infrastructure will keep running properly, it’s worth pairing your data backup with server administration, which continuously monitors, updates, and maintains the servers your website runs on. This eliminates the risk of failures that could otherwise result in data loss or corruption. Even so, a backup is insurance you shouldn’t skip, even while keeping up with server administration.
The 3-2-1 rule
The 3-2-1 rule is a simple principle we should follow to protect ourselves in nearly every situation. It means keeping at least three copies of your data (3x backup), storing two copies on different devices (2x backup), one of which should be kept in a location other than your company’s premises (1x backup). Sticking to this rule will protect you against practically every possible problem related to backing up your site.
When should you make a backup?
How often you back up depends on the type of site you run. For a site that changes constantly, a backup may be needed every few hours. A good example is a news service that updates its content continuously, with every article rated and commented on by users. If you’re running a company, it’s worth creating backups regularly, especially before making changes. Remember that updates can also lead to data loss, so it’s worth backing up every element of your site before that process.
Data backup is a necessity when you run your own website. It’s what lets you feel secure during site upgrades, any kind of update, or an unexpected attack.