Is it important to have a copy of my website files?
This question is barely asked, but the answer is YES. But of course, we leave the responsibility of backing up our website files to the web host. Is that not enough? Most clients ask why they should have a backup while their web hosts keep backups. Well, we all have to take precaution. It is not a question of who should take responsibility when all you have built over the years is at stake, but a call to take charge and be proactive.
A backup is only one part of being prepared. It also helps to have a recovery plan for when something goes wrong, so you know what to check, who to contact, and how to get your site back online quickly. Use this crash plan checklist for your website as a practical next step.
5 Reasons Why a Website Backup is Extremely Important
What could go wrong?
Below are reasons that should strongly convince you to actively and regularly make sure you have a backup with you.
- Catastrophic server failure
Web hosts do server management and monitoring hence instances of a full server failure are minimal. It does not have to be a full server failure to affect your website files. Having a backup makes it easy for a quick restoration to a different server and minimizes the time your website will be offline. Backing your files remotely is, therefore, a more practical option.
This is why you should not treat backups as optional, even if your hosting provider already has systems in place. Here’s more on why you should always have backups for your website and important business data.
2. Website Hackers
Your website might seem secure but as long as it is online, there might be a chance it might get compromised. For instance, if a code used to build your website has its own vulnerabilities, you could risk being hacked. Your hosting environment also plays a role in how well your site is protected. If you want to understand the bigger security picture, read this guide on whether your web host affects your website’s security.
3. Malware & Viruses
Malware and viruses could find their way into your website. They could be downloaded unknowingly via a theme or plugin. This is why you need to be ready by having a recent backup of your website files. If your site runs on WordPress, plugin and theme security should be part of your regular maintenance routine. These ways to secure your WordPress site from hacking can help reduce the chances of needing an emergency restore.
4. During Upgrades
It has happened to a number of clients. Some websites require plugin and other components update. With a backup in place, you are safer in case anything goes wrong during the update.
5. Human Error
They say a man is to error. They are not wrong, people do make mistakes. For example, your employee or the web developer deletes a necessary file by accident. This could leave you offline for quite a while before you figure out a way forward. With a backup, it is as easy as a, b, c...you could restore the backup in a minute and proceed with your operations.
With all the above, you realize you could minimize the damage if anything happened by just having a backup. Then quit stalling, make sure you have a recent copy. You could do at least bimonthly backups or make it a habit to backup as often as you can. Better safe than sorry!
Human mistakes are only one cause of website data loss. Files can also disappear because of malware, failed updates, server issues, or accidental overwrites. Here are the top leading causes of online data loss and why regular backups matter.
