Database Backups

Most websites use at least one type of database, usually a relational database such as MySQL, to store the content of their site, as well as to receive and store incoming customer and user data. This data can range from the mundane and publicly available to the highly sensitive and encrypted.

Unlike code, which can be kept under version control and remains relatively static on most sites, data tends to fluctuate and change constantly, so keeping it backed up regularly is vital.

Why do I need this?

Data can be deleted, altered and compromised very easily in a variety of ways. There is, of course, the danger of your data being wiped, vandalised  or stolen by a malicious intruder, but much more commonly data destruction happens when a well meaning operative installs a bad plugin, or a semi-skilled developer acts carelessly. Even skilled developers and systems administrators have been known to wipe entire databases with catastrophic results – this notorious data deletion at GitLab for example.

That’s why we run regular database backups as standard with all our plans. Weekly is enough for many businesses, but those who work with large amounts of user and customer data will need at least a daily schedule.

Restoring from database backups.

Of course, it’s one thing to take regular database backups, but where some other website maintenance plans fall down is when it comes time to actually restore from one. Luckily Maverick labs have years of experience in handling all manner of database servers, dealing with version interoperability, abnormally large datasets and navigating the many other pitfalls of protecting and restoring data.