A backup has more than one part
A typical website has its files, such as themes, images and uploads, and a database holding pages, posts and settings. A backup needs both, taken at the same time, or the restored site may be missing content or fail to load. Some hosting backups cover only one part, so it is worth checking.
How often depends on how often it changes
A brochure site that changes a few times a year might need a weekly backup. A shop taking orders, or a site that customers log in to, may need a daily backup or more. Match the schedule to how much work you would lose if you had to go back to the last copy.
Keep a copy away from the website
If the only backup sits on the same server as the website, the problem that takes out the site can take out the backup too. At least one copy should live somewhere separate, such as a different provider or storage service. That copy should not be deletable by anyone who gains access to the website itself.
Keep more than one version
A problem is not always spotted straight away. If a site was compromised two weeks ago and you keep only last night's backup, you are restoring the compromised version. Keeping several daily and weekly copies gives you the option to go back to a point before the trouble started.
A backup you have never restored is a hope
The real test is whether the backup restores. Restoring a copy to a test location now and then confirms the files are complete and the process works. It also tells you how long recovery takes, which is useful to know before you are under pressure.
Know who is responsible
Many businesses assume the hosting company or web designer is backing up the site, and the hosting company assumes the customer is. Get it written down: what is backed up, how often, where it is kept, how long copies are retained and who carries out a restore.
What to do next
Ask whoever hosts your website three questions: when was the last backup taken, where is it stored, and when was a restore last tested. If nobody can answer all three, treat your site as unprotected until they can.
Symnetrix can check whether an existing site is properly backed up and set up backups kept away from the web server. Learn more about website hosting in Hastings and East Sussex, or contact Symnetrix to discuss your setup.