A backup only helps if you can restore it

Saving a second copy of your files is a useful start. A more complete backup plan also answers three questions: what is protected, where the copy lives and how you would recover it if the original disappeared.

Choose what matters

List documents, photographs and business records you cannot easily replace. For a website, remember that uploaded files and the database may be stored separately. A copy of the theme alone will not normally preserve articles, orders or settings.

Separate the copies

A backup kept only on the same computer or hosting account can disappear with the original. Keep an additional copy in a separate location or account. Protect that account with a strong, unique password and an additional sign-in factor where available. Consider whether your backup needs encryption, especially when it includes customer information.

Practise a recovery

Restore a small sample to a safe test location. Open the restored files and check whether they are complete. For websites, use a separate testing environment so a practice recovery does not overwrite the live site. Record the recovery steps and repeat the check after major changes to your setup.