Hosting Backup 101: The Ins And Outs You Should Know

Imagine waking up to find your website down due to a server issue or cyberattack. If you don’t know how to take a backup of your site or don’t have a reliable backup solution provided by your web host, you’re in serious trouble! This scenario highlights the critical importance of having a solid grasp of what makes a good hosting backup to protect your site and business from significant risk.

The sad reality is that many website owners are in the same boat. They cannot evaluate their backup solutions until they fail. This oversight can lead to data loss and prolonged downtime nightmares that could have easily been avoided. Some web hosts try to solve this issue by offering backup solutions. But, how reliable are they? Are they expensive? Where are the backups stored? How can you restore it? 

Don’t throw your hands up just yet. We will walk you through understanding hosting backups and how you can choose a better solution or enhance your disaster recovery plan.

TL;DR: Hosting backups can leave your website vulnerable. Using BlogVault as your backup solution provides you with features like automatic, incremental backups, and one-click restorations—keeping your site safe, sound, and swiftly recoverable.

What is a hosting backup?

A hosting backup is a securely stored copy of your website’s data, managed by your web host. It includes essential components such as files, databases, and configurations. The primary goal of a backup is to ensure data security and integrity by providing a reliable fallback in the event of data loss, corruption, or system failure. This allows for the quick restoration of your website to its previous state after a disaster or accidental data deletion, helping to minimize downtime and data loss.

But does a hosting backup cut the mustard here? Some may, but others fall woefully short. There are many factors that go into making an effective backup, and this makes it crucial to evaluate your hosting provider’s backup solutions before placing all your eggs in that basket.

Strengths of hosting backups

Starting with the strengths, let’s evaluate what hosting backups have going for them. Sadly the list is short, because let’s face it, it’s not much. 

Quick restores

Hosting backups are often stored on the same server as your site. While this is actually a terrible idea on many fronts, it does have one single advantage: restores are quick.Some providers, like WP Engine, offer offsite backups that can be restored quickly while avoiding the pitfalls of same-server storage.

Data security 

Hosting backups safeguard your data from the ever-looming threats of hardware failures, accidental deletions, and cyber threats. They ensure that your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.

Simplicity 

Juggling multiple control panels for hosting and backups can feel like a never-ending circus act. Hosting backups simplify this chaos by letting you manage both from a single control panel. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about installing another plugin to take care of your backups.

Pitfalls of hosting backups

The cons of hosting backups far outweigh the pros. However, that isn’t to say they have no value; it’s just that they should never be your only site backup solution.

Resource consumption 

Ever noticed your website slowing to a crawl during a backup? That’s because backup processes guzzle server resources like a sports car chugging gasoline. The kicker? Most backups are stored on the same server as your site.

Backup failures

Not all web hosts are the same. While some offer automated backups, others leave you to fend for yourself. There’s always a risk of backup failures or data corruption, too, which means you need to be vigilant about regular testing and verifying your backups.

Pricey

Some hosting backup solutions can come with a price tag that would make your accountant faint. Just when you thought you had a handle on your budget, bam! Here come the hidden expenses for data retrieval, extra storage, or higher backup frequencies. Paying for a web host subscription and a backup is like paying for an all-you-can-eat buffet and then being charged extra for the cutlery.

Limited features

Sure, web hosts manage backups without any additional plugins but this is the only benefit they provide, leaving much to be desired. 

Reliability

Since your backups are stored within your servers, guess what would happen if your server ever decides to take an untimely vacation? Your backup will down with the ship, leaving you high and dry just when you need it most. 

Limited flexibility 

Hosting providers don’t often offer much customization. Your hosting backup solution might come with limitations on data retention policies, backup frequencies, or customization options. In other words, if you’re looking for a backup solution that fits your unique needs like a glove, prepare to be disappointed.

In summary, hosting backups come with their fair share of annoyances—high costs, resource hogging, reliability issues, and limited flexibility. So, while they’re important, they’re not without their headaches. Choose wisely and maybe you can mitigate some of these pesky cons.

Alternatives for hosting backups

If your hosting provider’s backup solution has let you down, some alternatives will not leave you pulling your hair out. 

Backup plugins (RECOMMENDED)

BlogVault is the best backup alternative you can use—hands down. Here are some reasons why:

Comprehensive backup solution 

Automated, incremental, full site backups—BlogVault offers it all to ensure server loads remain low, and real-time backups for those critical changes that can’t afford to be missed. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

One-click restoration 

BlogVault’s one-click restore feature allows you to minimize downtime effortlessly. Whether it’s after a botched update or a sudden crash, you can breathe easy knowing you’re covered.

Incremental backups 

Unlike some solutions that back up your entire site every time (hello, server overload!), BlogVault efficiently backs up only the changes made since the last backup and stores them on their servers.

Selective restoration

Need to restore just a single file or roll back a plugin? No problem. BlogVault gives you control by allowing specific file or database restorations, saving you from the stress of overwriting everything.

Simple setup 

You can easily install and set up BlogVault directly within your WordPress site. Or you can have it done for you by simply submitting your WP admin credentials. Note that BlogVault asks for these credentials only once for the sole purpose of installing and activating the plugin on your site and never stores it anywhere.

Intuitive interface 

With BlogVault, managing and monitoring backups is as easy as pie. You can bid goodbye to the confusing dashboards that only add to your frustration when you are scrambling to access your backups.

Built-in security

Beyond just backups, BlogVault includes tools to scan for and remove malware, offering an extra layer of security. Having these additional tools at your disposal means you’re not only backing up your site but also fortifying it against potential threats.

BlogVault stands out as the best alternative. Its comprehensive features, advanced security, and robust performance make it the go-to choice for plugin-based backups. 

Manual backups

If you prefer a hands-on approach, then manual backups might just be your cup of tea. 

Custom timing and frequency

Manual backups give you the power to choose when and how often to perform backups. And the best part? You don’t need to purchase any additional software or subscribe to fancy backup services.

Local storage

Storing backups on local devices is another highlight. This minimizes the risk of data breaches through online channels. Plus, you maintain physical control over your backup media and storage devices, ensuring they’re safe under your watchful eye. And should your website decide to take a nap, you can still access your backup files. 

Risk of human errors

Let’s not forget the downsides. Manual processes bring the possibility of human error right to your doorstep. There’s a higher risk of errors, such as forgetting to perform backups or incorrectly saving files. You could turn your backup routine into a catastrophe waiting to happen.

Labor-intensive process

As your data grows, manual backups can become increasingly labor-intensive and challenging to manage efficiently. It’s almost like having a part-time job that you don’t get paid for. And let’s not even talk about storage. Local storage devices may quickly fill up, requiring frequent management and the constant purchase of additional storage. This is why you should consider BlogVault—your wallet and sanity will thank you.

Best practices for managing hosting backups

Verify backup integrity

You wouldn’t buy shoes without trying them on, right? The same logic applies here. Regularly test the restore process to verify that backups are complete, accurate, and functional. You will have to download and install them on a local or staging site, but better safe than sorry. 

Tip: With BlogVault, you can test your backups before restoring them to ensure their stability and integrity.

Data encryption

Make sure your backup data is encrypted both during transfer and while stored. Encryption is your digital guard dog against unauthorized access. This means that even if a hacker gets a hold of your data in transit or gains access to your storage, all they would find is unintelligible gibberish.

Multiple storage locations 

You’ve heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Well, it applies to backups too. Take multiple backups and store them in various locations. Off-site or cloud storage can protect you against local disasters and hardware failures.

Monitor backup processes

Use monitoring tools to keep an eye on your backup processes. Get alerts for any failures or issues because nothing screams “emergency” quite like discovering your backup failed right when you need it most.

Disaster recovery plan 

Develop and maintain a comprehensive disaster recovery plan. Make sure it includes detailed backup and restore procedures. It’s an escape route, ensuring you’re not left floundering in the face of a catastrophe. 

Optimize storage usage

Sadly, space isn’t infinite nor is it free. Use incremental or differential backups to minimize storage use by only backing up changes since the last backup. This not only saves storage space but also reduces backup time and server load.

What key features should you look for while choosing a web host?

Choosing the right web host is crucial for your online success, as it affects your site’s performance, security, and reliability. In this section, we’ll look at essential features to look for to ensure your website is fast, secure, and dependable.

Uptime

Imagine your website throwing a tantrum and going offline whenever it feels like it. Annoying, right? Look for a web host with a proven track record of high uptime. A good host will offer an SLA (Service Level Agreement) that guarantees uptime and provides clear compensation plans for any downtime. 

Performance and speed 

Slow websites are infuriating. Opt for hosting that ensures quick website loading speeds, has distributed servers, and uses top-notch hardware. This is crucial for user experience and SEO, however, this is the extent to which a host can impact performance. If your host doesn’t have a performant infrastructure, they can’t keep up with your need for speed. Once that’s settled, consider using a speed optimization plugin like Airlift.

Scalability

Your website today may look very different from your website tomorrow. The ability to easily upgrade or downgrade your hosting plan as your site grows is important. Look for options to add more resources like storage, bandwidth, or processing power without switching hosts.

Security features 

Prioritize hosts that support SSL certificates to encrypt data and protect sensitive information. Ensure they offer robust security measures to detect malicious software instead of just deleting your site like yesterday’s news. Also, evaluate their network security features to guard against external threats and hardware security measures to maintain the physical integrity and reliability of the servers.

Customer support

Imagine having a meltdown at 2 AM because your website’s gone haywire and no one from your web host’s support team is picking up. You need a host that offers round-the-clock customer support through multiple channels—live chat, email, and phone. The availability of tutorials, guides, and a robust knowledge base is also essential to assist with common issues.

Control panel 

A straightforward, intuitive control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk) makes managing your website, domain, and hosting features a breeze. Access to essential tools for managing databases, email accounts, and other functionalities should be as easy as pie. If the control panel makes you feel like you’re solving a Rubik’s Cube, look elsewhere.

Reputation and reviews 

Research customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation and reliability of the host. Check industry ratings and expert reviews to assess the host’s performance and reliability. Think of it as reading Google reviews before picking a restaurant—better a bit of prep than a night spent regretting your choices.

Backup and restore options

If every feature on this list checks out, then look for this feature. You’d think every hosting provider would have this nailed down, but you’d be wrong. Many hosting backup solutions fall short, so it’s more practical to prioritize other aspects and rely on specialized backup services like BlogVault for a robust backup solution. 

If not, save yourself the hassle of managing backups and get BlogVault’s. With BlogVault, you get to recover your website after your host has deleted it which is something worth considering.

By looking out for these features, you’ll ensure that your web hosting experience is more like a smooth sailing cruise. 

Parting thoughts

Having a hosting backup is a solid first step, but for maximum peace of mind, it’s wise to incorporate an additional backup solution into your disaster recovery plan. BlogVault stands out as an excellent choice. 

With BlogVault, you don’t need to worry about the maintenance—your sites will be backed up every day like clockwork.

By understanding the advantages and limitations of hosting backups and knowing what features to look for in a web host, you can make informed decisions and select the best hosting service tailored to your needs. Ensuring high uptime, quick recovery, and robust security features are now within your reach with the right knowledge and tools at your disposal.

FAQs

How effective are hosting backups in safeguarding my data?

Hosting backups are generally effective in safeguarding your data against routine issues like hardware failures, accidental deletions, and minor cyber threats. However, the reliability of hosting backups can vary significantly between providers. For maximum data security, it’s advisable to use a specialized backup solution like BlogVault in addition to your hosting provider’s backup.

If I accidentally delete important website files, how easily can I recover them using hosting backups?

To recover an important website file that you accidentally deleted, try downloading your hosting backup first. Then test a restore on a staging site and, if everything works as it should, then restore to your live site. However this is a long process, fraught with problems, and a high rate of errors. We strongly recommend using a backup plugin instead and cutting through all this effort. 

What are the best practices for managing and testing hosting backups?

To effectively manage and test hosting backups, regularly verify backup integrity by testing the restore process. Ensure data is encrypted during transfer and storage to prevent unauthorized access—you’ll have to ask your host for this information though. Use multiple storage locations, including off-site or cloud, to protect against local disasters. Monitor backups with tools that provide alerts for failures, and maintain a comprehensive disaster recovery plan with detailed procedures. Optimize storage with incremental or differential backups to save space and reduce server load.

What is hosting backup?

A hosting backup is a copy of your website’s data taken and stored by your web host to protect against data loss. It includes essential components such as files, databases, and configurations necessary for restoring your website. The primary goal of a hosting backup is to ensure data security and integrity, providing a reliable fallback in case of data loss, corruption, or system failure.

Why should I consider alternative backup solutions in addition to my hosting backups?

While hosting backups offer basic protection, they aren’t always reliable or sufficient for comprehensive data security. They can fail, be incomplete, or suffer from host server issues. Integrating alternative backup solutions like BlogVault adds an extra layer of security and flexibility. These solutions often feature automated, incremental backups and multiple storage locations, ensuring your website can be quickly and effectively restored even in worst-case scenarios.