Many hosting providers say "we take daily backups." But nobody asks the question:
Are the backups encrypted?
Because a backup file is an exact copy of your site. It contains everything:
- Database
- User information
- Passwords
- Emails
- Orders
- Personal data
So if a backup file is stolen, your entire site has been stolen.
1. What Is Backup Encryption?
Backup encryption is the practice of storing backup files in an encrypted form.
The most commonly used encryption:
- AES-256 backup encryption
This way, even if the backup file is obtained, it cannot be read.
2. What Is Offsite Backup?
Offsite backup = storing backups on a separate server.
Why does it matter?
If:
- The server catches fire
- The data center goes down
- A ransomware attack occurs
- The server is hacked
The backup on the same server is also lost.
That is why backups must be kept at a different location.
3. The 3-2-1 Backup Rule
This is the most secure backup standard:
- 3 copies of the data
- 2 different media types
- 1 copy offsite
This system is the disaster recovery standard.
4. Backup Types
| Backup Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Backup | Entire system |
| Incremental Backup | Only files that have changed |
| Differential Backup | Changes since the last full backup |
| Snapshot | Instant system image |
The best system: Full + Incremental + Snapshot
5. Ransomware and Backups
In ransomware attacks, hackers: First delete the backups, then lock down the system.
That is why a secure backup system must be:
- On a separate server
- Encrypted
- Read-only (immutable)
- Access-restricted
6. Backup Retention
With a good hosting provider:
| Backup Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Daily | 7–14 days |
| Weekly | 4–8 weeks |
| Monthly | 3–12 months |
7. Backup Questions to Ask Your Hosting Provider
- Are backups encrypted?
- Are backups kept at a different location?
- Can backups be deleted?
- What is the backup retention period?
- Is snapshot backup available?
- Are daily backups available?
- Who can access the backups?
- Are backups tested?
8. The Most Secure Backup Architecture
The most secure setup:
Server → Daily Backup → Encryption → Offsite Storage → Immutable Storage
This setup is an enterprise disaster recovery architecture.
9. Conclusion
Three requirements for secure backup:
- Encrypted backup
- Offsite backup
- Immutable backup
Having a backup does not mean you are safe. Encrypted and offsite backup means you are safe.