Backup

A backup o backup copy is a duplication of important data to protect against loss or damage. This process involves storing a copy of this data in a secure location, either on a physical device such as an external hard drive or in a cloud service, so that it can be retrieved in the event that the originals are deleted, damaged, or lost.

What is a backup for?

Backups are essential for shielding any type of digital content against computer attacks or unintentional data loss. They are useful for both home users and businesses of all sizes. Companies, especially if they are highly digitised, make backups of their most precious data on a strict regular basis.

Thus, some of the benefits of backups are:

• Security: A good backup system is like a fortress that protects our data against any cyber-attack or blackmail.
• Streamlined data management: As a rule, backup systems offer automation options so that data does not have to be saved manually. This greatly simplifies the task and ensures that it is never forgotten.
• Confidentiality: Backups provide a secure storage space for all types of data, especially sensitive and confidential data. Therefore, thanks to secure and regularly updated backups, we ensure that this data does not go to waste.

Types of backups

Each type of backup has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and they often combine to create an efficient backup strategy that suits the specific needs of an organisation or individual.

Full backup

A full backup is a full copy of all data selected to be backed up at a specific point in time. That is, every file and folder that has been designated for backup is copied in full, regardless of whether or not it has changed since the last backup.

Characteristics:

• Data integrity: As a full copy of the data, it offers the highest integrity and security, as all files are backed up in a single data set.
• Simple restoration: Restoring data is simpler and faster as it is restored from a single point and does not require combining multiple sets of data from previous backups.
• Resource consumption: It is the most storage space and time consuming type of backup. Each time it is performed, it copies all the data again, without considering the changes since the last backup.
• Frequency: Due to its intensive nature, it is not performed as frequently as differential or incremental backups. It is often combined with these to optimise resources.

Differential backup

A differential backup saves only the data that has changed since the last full backup. Each time it is performed, it checks which files have been modified or added since the last full backup and copies them.

Characteristics:

• Space efficiency: It takes up less space than full backups, as only data changed since the last full backup is stored.
• Rapid restoration: Restore requires the last full backup and the last differential backup, which simplifies the process compared to incremental backup.
• Increased progressive consumption: As more differential backups are made without a new full backup, they start to grow in size because they include all changes since the last full backup.
• Balance of resources: It offers a good balance between backup time and space requirements, ideal for quick restores.

Incremental backup

A incremental backup saves only the data that has changed since the last backup, either full or incremental. Each incremental backup captures the differences from the immediately preceding backup.

Characteristics:

• Optimal use of space: It is the least space-consuming type of backup, as it only stores incremental changes since the last backup, with no redundancies.
• Restoration complexity: Restore can be more complex and time consuming. It requires the last full backup and all subsequent incremental backups up to the desired restore point.
• Backup speed: Only new or changed files are transferred since the last backup, so an incremental backup can be done quickly.
• Scalability: Very suitable for systems where frequent backups are needed but with limited storage resources.

Local backup

A local backup refers to the backup that is performed on physical storage devices that are in the same location as the original data, such as external hard disks, magnetic tapes or local servers.

Characteristics:

• Immediate accessibility: By being physically close, data is more accessible for quick restores without relying on network connections.
• Full control: It provides full control over data and backup hardware, allowing specific security policies to be implemented.
• Physical risk: It is subject to physical risks such as fire, theft or natural disasters that can affect both the original data and the backups.
• Initial cost: There may be an upfront cost for the purchase of storage devices, but there are no significant recurring costs.

Cloud backup

In the cloud backup backups are stored on remote servers via the internet by means of services of cloud storage providers.

Characteristics:

• Remote access: Data can be accessed and restored from anywhere with an internet connection, offering great flexibility.
• Scalability: It makes it easy to increase or decrease storage capacity as needed by paying only for what you use.
• Security and redundancy: Cloud providers typically offer high levels of security through encryption and distributed backups across multiple locations.
• Periodic cost: Generally, there is a recurring cost depending on the amount of storage used and the level of service contracted.