In today’s digital landscape, cloud server backups are critical for data protection and part of an essential disaster recovery plan. Threats to data security and business systems can be digital and physical, ranging from cyber-attacks and hardware failures to the impacts of climate change or global unrest.
Data, an essential business asset, can be lost in seconds. A cloud backup solution as part of a robust cyber strategy ensures data availability, protection, and recovery and has never been more important.
Understanding cloud backup solutions
Backup solutions duplicate files and databases and securely store them on a separate storage system or in an off-site location. They protect against equipment failures, human error, attacks by illicit actors, and physical disasters such as floods, fires, and adverse weather risks.
Server backup and business data backup services can be generally divided into two categories; backup services provided by cloud software-as-a-service companies and integrated backup solutions offered by cloud service providers. These cloud backup solutions enhance cybersecurity and regulatory compliance whilst providing continuity and resilience in the event of a problem.
How cloud backup solutions work
Third-party cloud backup software, usually provided by the cloud solutions provider, facilitates scheduled, periodic backups, which can be full or incremental. The software usually collects, compresses, encrypts, and transfers the data from local or cloud servers to the backup provider’s cloud storage. In the event of an issue, the backup provider offers data restoration either on a file-by-file basis or as a full disk backup.
For comparison, backup solutions offered by cloud providers are configured on the cloud server level in the provider’s service and take full snapshot backups of the storage devices, which are then stored on separate backup storage hosts for quick restoration. The backup service works independently of any software installed on the cloud server, making it a universal solution for almost any use case.
Backup operations
Cloud backups usually facilitate different methods of backup.
- Full backups are an immediate full copy of all data. This is what UpCloud’s Simple Backups offer.
- Incremental backups can be used to supplement full backups, which focus on any data that has changed since the previous incremental backup as a fast, less memory-intensive solution for an up-to-date backup.
- Differential backups are similar to incremental backups but accumulate copies of backed-up data over time since the last full backup.
- Mirror backups are similar to full backups but more akin to selective copying, as all the different backed-up files are stored separately like they are in the source.
See the table below for how these backup types compare in practice.
| Backup type | Full | Incremental | Differential | Mirror |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backup 1 | All data | – | – | All selected data |
| Backup 2 | All data | Changes from 1 | Changes from 1 | All selected data |
| Backup 3 | All data | Changes from 2 | Changes from 1 | All selected data |
| Backup 4 | All data | Changes from 3 | Changes from 1 | All selected data |
The choice of backup type and operation will depend on the business, the volume and type of data, and how often data changes. In the event of a recovery, a company can choose the backup version to restore depending on the selected backup retention period.
Benefits of cloud backup solutions
Data security and protection
Cloud backup solutions store a copy of critical business data for recovery in the event of an attack or loss. They may also encrypt data before it’s sent and stored, ensuring it remains secure in transit and at its new location. In contrast to local backups, cloud data protection protects against natural disasters, theft, system failure, and human error, including accidental file corruption or deletion.
Reliability and accessibility
Cloud backups are handled, protected, and stored professionally. The provider can take advantage of economies of scale by serving multiple customers and investing in the latest facilities and technologies. Cloud backups can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, providing resilience in the event of a local catastrophe.
Scalability and cost
Utilising cloud backup solutions, allows businesses to avoid capital and maintenance costs and management of backup storage systems. Cloud backup subscription tiers enable organizations to pay for what they need and scale upwards as they grow. Additional services and expertise can help with data challenges such as compliance, archiving, data duplication, and extra security.
Key features to look for in a cloud backup solution
We’ll outline the steps to choose the right cloud backup solution next; however, there are core features to look for in any provider.
Encryption and security
The best cloud backup solutions will offer encryption and ultra-safe solutions for sensitive data and complex requirements, usually indicated by certifications such as ISO 27001. Facilities will be secured in safe, resilient locations, and cybersecurity will be paramount.
Flexibility and scalability
Business data backup options should also be flexible and scalable to accommodate any business size, growth, or structural change. Cloud backup solution pricing will vary based on need but should be a cost-effective assurance to protect a critical business asset.
Support and expertise
As with choosing any technology partner, seeking out a reputable cloud backup solution is essential. It’s also important to assess a provider’s expertise and the level of support available, particularly for complex needs and regulatory compliance.
Automation and ease of use
Using a cloud backup solution should mitigate the technicalities of an in-house or self-managed cloud solution, so buyers should look for easy-to-use, non-technical services with automated features that ensure backups run assuredly in the background.
How to Choose the Right Cloud Backup Solution
Step 1: Define your requirements
Business data backup and disaster recovery are vital for business continuity and merit a dedicated data protection and cybersecurity strategy. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of your business data, its sensitivity, regulatory requirements, and factors such as the optimum time to recover data and the minimum data loss acceptable in the event of an issue.
Step 2: Compare cloud backup solutions
A robust comparison will go beyond core features and cost. You will also want to consider encryption, security, reputation, support, compatibility, authentication, server location, seeding and recovery options, as well as enhanced features and support for more complex needs.
Step 3: Choose and configure your business backup
Once a provider and a cost-effective pricing/service tier are in place, effectively configuring a cloud backup to meet your individual needs is vital. The backup should form part of a wider IT and cybersecurity strategy as well as a business continuity or disaster recovery plan.
Implementing and managing your cloud backup solution
Tips and best practices for setting up, maintaining, and restoring data from your cloud backup systems.
Backup best practices
Encryption: All data should be encrypted in transit and storage.
Passwords: Utilise strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and any additional security provided.
Storage: Multiple backups are standard practice for additional security and may consist of backups kept in more than one location and at least one in the cloud.
Monitoring: Backups should be regularly monitored to ensure they are set and working correctly and that a full recovery of data is possible.
Disaster recovery: Cloud backups should be incorporated into a wider cyber security and disaster recovery strategy.
Opting for safe and Simple Backups
Businesses seeking a simple, easily configurable, safe backup can choose UpCloud. Here’s what we offer:
Effortless data safety
Easy to use: Enable our cloud backup and forget it. Check-in when you need it, but backups are scheduled in the background without the need for you to intervene.
Instant backups: You can backup a whole storage device in one go, a complete snapshot of data without interruption or slowdown.
Encrypted on demand: All backups of Cloud Servers with encrypted storage are also encrypted by default and free of charge. Data security doesn’t need to come with extra complexity or cost.
A perfect cloud companion: The easiest way to back up your Cloud Server, including a completely free tier. Flexible backups are also available for fine-tuned cloud configurations.
Conclusion
A vast array of cloud backup solutions are on the market, as cloud data protection has become the go-to for data security, safety, and business resilience. Cloud solutions are usually cost-effective, especially compared to the capital investment required to match a service provider’s offering or when considering the risks and impacts of a significant data loss.
Choosing the right cloud backup solution provider brings vital data expertise to your business. Consult with our experts to ensure business continuity, no matter the threat.
