Backups you have to remember do not happen.
THE COMPONENTS
A script or tool that dumps databases and archives files A schedule, usually via cron Remote storage A retention policy that removes old copies Verification that it ran
A BASIC APPROACH
A nightly cron job that dumps each database, archives the application directories and configuration, and uploads the result to remote storage, then removes local copies older than a few days.
TOOLS
Several backup tools handle scheduling, incremental transfer, encryption and retention. Using one is usually better than maintaining your own script.
Control panels include backup functionality that can target remote storage.
ENCRYPTION
Backups contain everything: database credentials, customer data, private keys. Encrypt them, particularly if stored with a third party.
VERIFICATION
Have the job report success or failure somewhere you will see. A silent failure means you discover the problem when you need the backup.
Check the remote storage periodically and confirm recent files are present and of a plausible size.
