Have you ever lost a lot of important data from your website? Sometimes a simple distraction is enough to eliminate all data and files. There are still other situations, such as the possibility of a website being hacked. According to a Forbes article, in 2018 there was an increase in data breaches compared to previous years. Thus, it is vital to do regular backups of the data, not only from the website but also from information stored in companies’ computer systems.
The loss of information can lead to major damage to an organisation, especially when data recovery is not possible. For some, backing up the website may seem like a dispensable practice, however, it’s a routine that ensures additional security and prevents consequences that data loss can bring.
Backing up websites allows companies to build an anchor, which is needed when all other means fail. Through this practice, it becomes possible to recover all the lost information and, in this way, protect the data and files. That said, backup is paramount to the security of an organisation.
What is a website backup?
Backups act as a precaution and security in cases where a problem arises on the website and the solution is not known. Thus, it is no more than a copy of all the important files of a website. Typically, hosting services perform daily automatic backups. This way, if you have a website, we recommend that you confirm this issue with your hosting provider to ensure this safeguard.
Nevertheless, backups must be wide-ranging. As such, they should include different elements such as code files, databases, images, plug-ins, and even templates.
How regularly should backup be done?
The regularity of backups may vary depending on the frequency of updating the website. This means that if it is a website that suffers constant changes and updates, it may be justified to make a daily backup. In other cases, backups can be weekly, monthly, or when the organisation determines it, depending on the need assessment.
It is important to note that the primary purpose of the backup is to allow the recovery of the website to the state in which it was before. That’s why you need to create a security routine: keep the file always up-to-date so you can restore the latest version of the website. Backing up an outdated file, after the website has undergone numerous changes, is of little use since there will always be information loss.
Backups should be seen by organisations as a preventative and beneficial practice. Through an effort to maintain the website’s security routine, there is no need to take risks, as it will be protected from malicious attacks and problems. Remember, better safe than sorry!
Furthermore, in the event of a total loss of data and information, it is necessary to re-invest resources, both human and financial, in the implementation of a new platform, which is currently completely avoidable.
However, it is necessary to make a note: backups should not be the only security practice adopted by an organisation. Although they are able to retrieve content from a website for the last backup made, any content that is added after the last copy will be lost. Notwithstanding, backups do not prevent a hacker from invading the website.
So it is important and recommended that additional security policies be adopted, such as the use of computer and network protection tools.
If you have a website, ensure your security through a regular backup routine. These efforts should be made to avoid future problems. However, in the worst-case scenario, it is always preferable to have a solution.
