Backup of a WordPress Hosting

After having extensively introduced the popular Content Management System and the necessary system requirements in the article WordPress web hosting, and explained how to secure your own installation from unauthorized access in the last article Making WordPress web hosting secure, in this article we will now present various options for backing up WordPress web hosting.

Why is data backup necessary?

The term data backup refers to the backup copy of the complete data at a specific point in time. In case of data loss, this allows for the restoration of data to a specific recovery point. The importance of reliable data backup is often only truly appreciated in case of an emergency. Backups are like insurance policies – you usually don't need them, but if something really happens, it's better to have one.

Unfortunately, many users neglect to regularly create backups for their WordPress web hosting. When the website is running smoothly, one rarely deals with unpopular topics like backups. However, not only for businesses making money with their online presence, but also for hobby webmasters investing a lot of time in their websites, the loss of all data would be extremely painful. While hosting providers usually automatically create backups of all files on the servers, most web hosting plans do not guarantee that the current data can be completely restored in case of loss. That's why it's crucial to ensure your own comprehensive backups.

How can data loss occur?

The reasons why data loss or compromise can occur, requiring backups to be restored, are numerous. For instance, if hackers crack a weak administrator password or gain access to the WordPress hosting through a security vulnerability to delete files or modify them with malware, a complete restoration of the original data must be carried out. However, not only unauthorized access to one's webspace can necessitate the restoration of a backup. Technical failures, especially with servers, cannot be completely ruled out. Among the most common problems are complications with the hard drive or damage to the entire server system. It is also possible for the user to accidentally delete a file or overwrite it with the wrong version. Even the installation of a faulty or incompatible WordPress plugin or theme can cause damage to the data, just as a failed update can be responsible for it. All these circumstances can lead to the loss of data from one's own web presence. Webmasters should therefore always create regular backups of their data.

Measures against data loss in WordPress hosting

In WordPress hosting, the individual data consists of the HTML content and the entries in the database. The HTML content includes all files found in the corresponding directory on the webspace. These include the WordPress core structure as well as the installed themes and plugins, as well as all uploads made. Through the entries in the database, all these files are linked together. For a complete data backup, both the files themselves and the database entries must be considered. Backups can be created manually or with the help of plugins. Additionally, some companies now offer data backup as a service.

Manual WordPress backup for data protection

When using the manual method, first download all relevant files via FTP access and store them in a secure location, such as your own hard drive or a cloud drive. Next, use PhpMyAdmin to back up the database entries. PhpMyAdmin is a free tool for database management that is pre-installed by the hosting provider on almost every web hosting service. Through the host's control panel, you can log into the database via PhpMyAdmin with the appropriate login details. There, entries can be saved using the "Export" function. The saved entries can be inserted into a new database during restoration using the "Import" function. Since this process is relatively time-consuming, it should be automated for large dynamic websites that constantly receive new content. However, this can only be achieved if you have sufficient experience in scripting and setting up cron jobs.

Suitable for: Professionals

Pros:

• Free
• Precise overview of the process

Cons:

• Very time-consuming
• Technical expertise required for automation

Data Backup via Service Provider

To enable webmasters without programming knowledge to create a comprehensive and up-to-date data backup, some companies, such as blogvault.net, offer this service as a service. Customers receive a worry-free solution, as after installing the provider's plugin and entering the administrator access details, the service provider makes all necessary settings. Backups are created automatically and can be easily restored at any time. Additional features such as migrating a WordPress installation to another server or testing the backup on a test server are included in the paid offerings of the service provider.

Suitable for: Beginners

Pros:

• Worry-free package
• No technical expertise required
• Personal support contact

Cons:

• Monthly costs

Data Backup via WordPress Plugins

Another option is to use WordPress Plugins. This method is more cost-effective but requires knowledge of handling WordPress Plugins, making it suitable for advanced users. For the purpose of data backup, numerous free and paid add-ons are available, which can be automated depending on their features and can also send backups directly to other servers.

Premium WordPress Plugins
Premium Plugins are paid for, offering the most features and support to help with any issues or errors. For example, the VaultPress plugin by the WordPress developers Automattic falls into this category.

Free WordPress Plugins with Optional Costs
Some plugins like BackWPup Free or BackWPup Pro can be used for free in their basic version. Users wanting more convenience, additional features, or support can opt for the paid version.

Completely Free WordPress Plugins
There are many plugins like BackUpWordPress that incur no costs. However, it is essential to check the functionality of the backups with this option. Without payment, there is no entitlement to support or a guarantee that the plugin will always be developed further.

Suitable for: Advanced Users

Pros:

• More cost-effective than the service option
• Wide range of plugins available

Cons:

• Optional support is paid for
• Additional features come at a cost
• No guarantees with free plugins

Regardless of the option chosen, whether manual backup, using plugins, or the service of a provider, a functional data backup should definitely be in place for your WordPress hosting.