Scheduled backups without a plugin.
WHAT A SCRIPT DOES
Dumps each database Archives the files Compresses the result Transfers it to remote storage Removes local copies older than a set age
RUNNING IT
From cron, at a quiet hour.
Redirect output to a log file rather than discarding it, so a failure is visible.
WHY SCRIPT IT
Works regardless of application, so one approach covers several sites No plugin to maintain Complete control over what is included and where it goes
WHAT MATTERS
Store off the server. A script writing archives to your home directory provides no real protection. Include a retention policy, or the archives fill your quota. Log the outcome, and check it. Verify the files exist and are of plausible size.
RESOURCE AWARENESS
Compressing a large account consumes CPU and I/O. Run it when traffic is low.
TESTING
Run it manually first, confirm the archive is complete, and restore from it once.
