A website backup is your insurance against any threat that can damage your website. While you may choose a hosting service that offers the best security measures and uses the latest tools, there is always a chance of a virus or a threat slipping through the cracks and threatening your website. This is where a backup can help you save your website along with its applications and data. Once you have countered the threat, you can restore your site and ensure uninterrupted services. Today, we will discuss everything that you need to know about backing up your Linux VPS Server.
There are different ways to approach backups for your VPS:
1. Backing up the files (not the entire website)
You can use one of the following tools on your Linux VPS Server to copy the files to a different location:
- CP Command – the easiest way to backup files on a Linux VPS
- RSync – more flexible than the first option. Remote backups are also possible with RSync provided you install it on both the devices. You can also automate the backup by writing the necessary code.
2. Bacula
Bacula is a good backup solution for your VPS-hosted website. It is a flexible solution that works on the client-server model. Bacula creates smaller task units called ‘jobs’ and separates clients, backup locations, and directors. It allows you to backup several clients in one storage location OR split the data from a single client into different backup storage locations.
3. Backup PC
Installing Backup PC in your Linux VPS will make it work as a backup server. On the client-side, you will have to allow SSH access to make it work. Once you have Backup PC installed, you won’t need any other software or programs for backing up your website.
4. Imaging or Block-level Backups
Block-level backups or imaging are a more comprehensive alternative to backups at the file level. As the name suggests, in block-level backups, you copy an entire file block instead of individual files. This ensures that you never miss a single file and complete your backup in a time-efficient manner.
Things to remember before backing up your VPS
- Create a backup plan – determine what you want to backup and where (on-site or off-site)
- Choose a backup strategy – determine the right strategy and tools for your backup requirements.
- Automate – if you have an option of automating the backup process, take it! Automated backups are the most effective since there is no chance of missing running the command
- Keep a backup of your backup – Sounds too much? Trust us; you will be glad you did when emergency strikes.
- Test the backups – After taking a backup, try to restore it and check if the methods and tools work efficiently. The last thing you want is relying on a backup during an emergency and finding out that after restoring, your site doesn’t work!
Summing Up
Remember, a backup is the most critical part of ensuring the safety and uninterrupted availability of your website. While a VPS Hosting plan offers a plethora of benefits, including virtualized account environment, account isolation, dedicated resources, full root access and advanced DDoS protection, there is still a chance of some malware slipping through. Ensure you automate your backups, and even keep a backup on a local drive to widen the safety net. Good Luck!