It is recommended that you back up your data daily and keep a minimum of 5 sets of backup media. Rotate the backup sets so that on each new backup the oldest previous backup is overwritten. Be aware that if you are only using 1 backup set, which could be a streamer tape, hard disk device, or even a USB stick, when the backup is running, you effectively do not have a backup in the period of time between the backup starting and its completion – you are overwriting an old file with a new file and if for any reason the backup failed the partially written files cannot normally be used.

Rotate at least 5 copies of your backup media and keep at least 1 set off site in case of fire, flood or other disaster. Do not rely on the verification utility on your backup software, the only way of ensuring your backups are viable, is to complete a trial restore. If you are using tape backup, ensure the drive is serviced each year, otherwise the head alignment will change and whilst you may be able to write to your backup tapes, reading them back may be a problem!

If your website providers ceased trading tomorrow do you know where the files are that you would need to give to a new website provider? If you don’t know, you need ask your website providers to provide you with a backup of the website and its data base, if applicable. If your website uses a Content Management System to hold the content of your database, you should also request that the database is frequently backed up to a 3rd party or your own server.

For free advice on best practices please call our experts on 0800 050 1128.