Backup your backups to ensure WordPress disaster recovery
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A disaster recovery plan for your site is a safe and sound security measure, until the net becomes destroyed due to the pressure. You can ask GitLab. The renowned software repository was hit by the catastrophic destruction of its data when an engineer erroneously erased 300GB of live database information.
What's the most painful thing? The backups GitLab was hoping might be able to save the day, turned out to be inadequate which left GitLab with an old snapshot of six hours as its only option. Six hours of gap can cause a substantial quantity of data being lost, especially for a business with a name as renowned as GitLab.
While it took place some time back, the event serves as an unsettling reminder of the possibilities of what could happen. Even the best-planned disaster recovery program may fail when they're not backup and tested rigorously.
This story of caution is applicable to WordPress site owners. A backup plan alone isn't enough. Backups require an additional backup. Like GitLab realized, human error, misconfigurations, or even a small mistake could result in massive data loss when you are relying on only one backup.
We're here to talk about the reasons you should make backups of your backups as well as what you can do to help with this necessary redundancy.
Let's go!
There are many reasons to think about developing a disaster recovery plan
Before getting to the reason why it is so important of this, let's first define it: a disaster recovery plan is described as insurance for your site. We would like to see you never require it, but in the event that the worst happens, it's imperative. The document outlines steps you should take in order to swiftly restore your operations following an unplanned event such as the cyberattack, or even an error made by a human.
But why is it so important?
Take into consideration that 96% of organizations had at most one downtime in the past three years, and many experiencing numerous interruptions. The price of downtime could be staggering, with an average of $1,410 per minute in the 2022 data protection Trends Report published by Veeam. This can be catastrophic for small companies which can lead to a significant decline in revenue, customer dissatisfaction along with a permanent impact on your reputation.
Having a solid plan means you're prepared for anything. The peace of mind you get from it is worth the price, having the confidence that no matter what is happening, it's feasible to find a road for healing.
What should include in the disaster recovery plans
The disaster recovery strategy doesn't simply consist of a checklist to follow. It's an entire strategy that serves as a guide for those who are faced with an emergency.
These are the things you have to ensure you include to ensure your plan is comprehensive and effective:
A strong backup strategy
An efficient backup plan is the core of every disaster recovery plan. Recovery plans are at risk when there aren't strong backups.
Below is a short overview of the best ways to ensure that your backups will be ready and available in the event that they do need to be. Your backup plan must contain "what," "when," and "how:"
1. Be aware of what backups you can make.
Backup the customer's data transactions, customer records, site database, content and the settings of your site's system. All the information you require for your site to work.
For complete security to ensure total protection consider the security for both static information (like data storage) and dynamic data (like regular transactions). An approach that is tiered could prove beneficial, too backup important data regularly andstore it in multiple locations. Further details on this below.
2. Be aware of when you should back up
The frequency of backups you take will depend on how frequently the data on your site changes. For most websites, daily or regular backups are advised.
But, if you've got data that changes often it is possible that you require hourly or real-time backups. This will help decrease the risk of losing data and also protect any changes you make to your data.
3. Learn how to backup
But local backups stored on physical devices provide rapid access. There are two options available, which include cloud backups and downloadable backups. This lets you keep copies of your backups offline, which adds protection.
Additionally, you can capture machine-level images that document everything that is happening on your server. These snapshots enable a complete repair should you need it.
Specific recovery methods
In the case of catastrophe, establishing a clear steps-by-step process for recovery is a great help. Therefore, everyone knows what they need to do when they find the problem.
Your plan should outline the particular steps you can take to recover from different circumstances, like an attack via cyberspace as well as a hardware failure or a human error. This includes retrieving backups or resetting systems in addition to ensuring your system operates in the proper manner following restore.
As an example, following a restore to backups, you may require to test your transactions or verify that all web-based features function properly.
It is essential to have time when a disaster occurs, and the assignment of certain duties and responsibilities to the team members can help in reducing time spent. The plan must clearly state the person who will be the person in charge of each job, from initiating the recovery process to talking to team members to addressing technical issues, such as the restoration of data.
features that support your disaster recovery strategy
The right tools at your side can make the process of implementing your disaster recovery plan easier. offers several features that can aid your plan with an integrated approach, such as:
- Level-of the-machine snaps For those looking for extra security, also offers the ability to take snapshots at the machine level. They are recorded every four hours (and can last as long as 24-hours) and provide the full status of your server comprising its operating system and its configurations and installed applications. It allows a full system restoration, which can prove extremely beneficial in the event of a major system failure or cyber attack.
Different ways to back up to a backup (and their pros and cons)
As we've seen, just one backup may not be sufficient. There are a variety of issues that could affect the backups you have if they're not taken care of properly. That's why considering different ways to backup is beneficial and the reason you need several options available simultaneously.
Here are the most frequently employed strategies and their advantages and disadvantages:
Cloud-based backups
Pros:
- Accessibility A major benefit for cloud-based backups is the accessibility they provide whenever, anywhere. Data is accessible so it is connected to Internet access.
- Security Cloud services usually offer excellent security options including regular security audits, as well as encryption to safeguard data from unauthorised access.
- Scalability If your data grows Cloud-based storage solutions quickly scale up to accommodate more storage.
Cons:
- Dependence on Internet Cloud-based backups rely entirely on the internet's connectivity. If you're located where connectivity to the internet isn't as good or you're experiencing an outage, accessing your backups could be problematic.
- Costs to consider: While cloud storage can be affordable but costs can be costly should you have to purchase additional storage, or other options. The long-term storage option can cost a lot, especially for large volumes of files.
Local backups
Pros:
- Instant accessibility to local backups like ones stored on external hard drives, or local servers, give fast and convenient access, without the requirement for Internet access.
- Does not rely to the Internet As local backups aren't dependent on Internet connectivity, they are capable of being downloaded even if the Internet is unavailable.
Cons:
- Physical risk Backups that are locally stored on a computer are susceptible to physical risk such as fire, theft or malfunctioning hardware. If an incident occurs at the physical location of backups, you could be unable to access the backup data.
- limited accessibility: Unlike cloud-based backups or local backups tend to be less portable and hard to connect remotely.
External backups
Pros:
- Offsite protection Backups that are external, like those stored in a other physical location, or by making use of offsite storage, provide an additional level of security.
- Reduced risk of simultaneous data loss Backups made externally guarantee that, even in the event your primary storage location becomes affected, your data will remain secure elsewhere.
Cons:
- Other management Management of backups from external sources can take more effort, especially in the case of physical storage media. It is essential to make sure that backups are updated regularly and safely stored.
- Possible costs Backup solutions that are external such as secure storage services or the transport of data physically, may result in additional expenses.
There are many reasons why choosing WordPress hosting that is secure and backing up is essential.
Running on the WordPress website has the potential for risk. Thus, security for your site should be the top priority. Because WordPress is one of the most used platforms, it's often a prime target for cyberattacks. If you don't take security precautions, your site is at risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches, including:
- Server issues: Physical server issues due to hardware issues or natural catastrophes can lead to significant loss of data in the event of a failure to properly manage backups.
In light of these threats Given these risks, choosing the right WordPress hosting service that has strong security measures is vital. This will protect your site from the most frequent security flaws and also ensure that, in the event of a security breach, something takes place to occur to your website, you can quickly recover.
provides a variety of security options created to keep your WordPress website is secure, safe and running properly. These include:
- 24/7 support Help is always available The team at's disposal will be able to help you with security problems whatever the issue, whether there's a problem with your server or a hacking issue.
The two features create a secure framework that reduces the risk of interruptions and data loss.
How do you best to select a web hosting service that is secure from all aspects
A good WordPress hosting provider is not selecting a suitable place to host your website. Hosting will guarantee that your site is safe as well as secure. It will also allow your site to bounce around quickly should there be any issues. The right choice of hosting will give you this kind of security.
There are a few things to look for when choosing a hosting company you're looking at:
1. Reliable, frequent backups
Your host must be able to offer regularly scheduled and stable backups that are an ordinary service. Daily backups are a must and the most reliable providers offer regular backups during those times where you don't want to lose the data. Backups must be automated so you don't have to keep track of them manually. Backups can be easily restored in an event of need.
2. Comprehensive recovery options
Backups are fine, but you must be able to restore them swiftly and effortlessly. Choose a web hosting provider that has the option of making a restore in a single mouse click, and multiple backup storage locations (including offsite) as well as the ability to download backups. This will provide you with numerous options to make your website back up and running.
3. DDoS protection, SSL support, and continuous monitoring
Security options are not negotiable. Your choice of hosting provider must offer DDoS security that protects against malicious traffic, SSL support to encrypt data, and regular monitoring of issues before they escalate.
4. Around-the-clock expert support
When you have the most effective hosting system, there are times when problems arise. When you experience these issues, be sure that you have experts available for assistance no matter it is. Select a hosting provider that offers 24-hour assistance. It is ideal to be staffed with WordPress specialists who are able to deal with the unique issues associated with the platform.
Also, it meets this requirement, with your site, and the staff is available to assist at any hour.
Summary
Backing up your plan for disaster recovery is essential for every WordPress site. A plan is just the beginning but it must also be able to withstand the elements, and also have redundant systems constructed around it in order to ensure the safety of your site.
Starting with a comprehensive backup strategy, to establishing what you can do to recover by using suitable hosting choices Each element is crucial to make sure your site is safe and accessible - even when confronted with unpredictability interruptions.
When you think about protecting your WordPress website, you should keep your eyes on the right hosting service could have a significant impact. It can provide top security choices with robust backups as well as professional assistance will allow your disaster recovery plan to succeed.
Jeremy Holcombe
Senior Editor for WordPress Web Developer as also Content writer. Apart from everything WordPress I enjoy beaches, golf, and movies. In addition, I'm a tall person and have difficulties.
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