Knowledge Base
I already use my hosting provider's backup. Won't that protect me?
Overview
By the end of this article, you will understand why a hosting provider's backup may not fully protect your site and what an independent backup adds. The article explains what a hosting provider backup is and where it is usually stored, defines offsite backup, compares the two, and describes when a hosting provider backup may not be enough.
What is a hosting provider backup?
A hosting provider backup is a copy of your website that your hosting company creates and stores for you. In many cases, the hosting company keeps that copy in the same environment as your live site, either on the same server or on another server in the same data centre. Because the copy sits in the same environment, an event that affects that environment can affect both your live site and its backup.
What is an offsite backup?
An offsite backup is a copy of your website stored in an environment separate from the one that hosts the live site. CodeGuard provides offsite backup by storing your site on CodeGuard servers, independent of your hosting provider. Because the copy is held separately, it remains available even if your hosting environment becomes unavailable or the hosting account itself is affected.
How a hosting provider backup and CodeGuard offsite backup compare
The main difference between the two is where the copy of your site is stored, which determines whether the copy survives a problem with the hosting environment.
| Point of comparison | Hosting provider backup | CodeGuard offsite backup |
|---|---|---|
| Where the copy is stored | Often within the same hosting environment as the live site | On CodeGuard servers, separate from the hosting provider |
| Independence from the host | Dependent on the hosting account and environment | Independent of the hosting account and environment |
| Availability if the hosting environment fails | May be affected by the same event | Remains available |
| Who controls access | The hosting provider | The site owner, through the CodeGuard account |
When a hosting provider backup may not be enough
A hosting provider backup may not be enough when the risk affects the hosting environment itself rather than only your site files. Consider an independent offsite backup in these situations:
- The hosting account is suspended, closed, or lost
- The hosting environment suffers an outage or a data loss event
- You want to move your site to a different hosting provider
- You want to hold a copy of your site that only you control
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my hosting provider usually keep its backups?
Hosting providers commonly keep backups within the same hosting environment as the live site, either on the same server or on another server in the same data centre.
Where does CodeGuard keep my backup?
CodeGuard keeps your backup on CodeGuard servers, in an environment separate from your hosting provider.
Do I need CodeGuard if my hosting provider already backs up my site?
It depends on the risk you want to cover. A hosting provider backup protects against loss of your site files, while an independent offsite backup also protects against loss of access to the hosting environment or the hosting account.
Can I use both a hosting provider backup and CodeGuard?
Yes. The two can be used together, and keeping a second copy outside the hosting environment adds protection that a hosting provider backup alone does not provide.
Similar Questions
- Is my hosting provider's backup enough?
- Do I still need CodeGuard if my host backs up my site?
- What is the difference between a host backup and an offsite backup?
- Where does CodeGuard store my backup?
- Why is an independent backup safer?
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