❗ Why Backups Matter More Than Anything Else

A backup is not optional — it is the most important security system you will ever have.

Without a backup, you risk:

• Losing your entire website forever
• Having to rebuild from scratch
• Being unable to recover from a hack
• Data loss due to human error or server failure
• Permanent SEO and ranking damage

⚠️ Many website owners only learn the importance of backups after they lose everything — do not let that be you.

✔️ Types of Backups You Should Have

1. Full Website Backup

Includes:

• All files
• Databases
• Email accounts
• DNS settings (optional)

2. File-Only Backup

Used for static sites or when database doesn’t change often

3. Database Backup

Critical for WordPress, Laravel, forums, shops, etc.

4. Offsite Backup

Copy stored outside your hosting — like Google Drive or Dropbox.

✔️ The best strategy is to always have at least one backup stored outside your hosting account.

⚙️ Backup Options Available at Nairahost

✔️ Option 1: JetBackup (if included in your hosting plan)

Many Nairahost hosting plans come with JetBackup, which allows you to restore files, databases or emails in 1 click.

JetBackup Can Restore:

• Full account
• Home directory
• Databases
• Email accounts
• DNS zones

✔️ Option 2: Manual cPanel Backup

1. Login to cPanel
2. Go to Backup or Backup Wizard
3. Select Full Backup
4. Download or send to remote backup destination

✔️ Option 3: DirectAdmin Backup

1. Login to DirectAdmin
2. Go to Create/Restore Backup
3. Select what to include
4. Download backup

✔️ Nairahost hosting stores backups on separate systems so even if your hosting account becomes corrupted, backups are still safe.

✔️ WordPress Backup Methods (Beginner Friendly)

Option 1: UpdraftPlus (Recommended)

Features:

• Schedule automatic backups
• Store backups in Google Drive or Dropbox
• Restore in 1 click
• No technical skills needed

Option 2: All-in-One Migration Plugin

Useful for full website export & migration

Option 3: Manual Backup (Advanced But Reliable)

Backup includes:

• Files via File Manager or FTP
• Database via phpMyAdmin export

❗ Why Storing Backups Only on Your Hosting Is Not Enough

If you only keep backups inside your hosting account, you are still at risk.

If this happens:

• Hosting account suspension
• Server failure
• Malware wiping your files
• Developer deletes something accidentally

Your backups disappear too.

⚠️ Always keep at least ONE backup outside your hosting account.

⚙️ Where to Store Offsite Backups

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• OneDrive
• A private VPS
• External HDD or USB drive

✔️ Use UpdraftPlus or JetBackup to automatically push backups to remote storage.

✔️ How Often Should You Back Up?

Depends on how often your website changes:

❗ Backup Schedule Cheat Sheet

• Database → backup DAILY
• Files → backup WEEKLY
• Store OFFSITE copies always
• Take a backup BEFORE any updates or settings changes

✔️ How to Restore a Backup

Restoring your site should take seconds using JetBackup or UpdraftPlus.

Restoring with JetBackup

1. Open cPanel
2. Click JetBackup
3. Select backup type (account, file, database, email)
4. Click Restore

Restoring with UpdraftPlus

1. Go to WordPress dashboard
2. Open UpdraftPlus
3. Click Restore
4. Select the backup

✔️ Ultimate Beginner Backup Checklist

• ✔️ Backups exist and are tested
• ✔️ Automatic schedule enabled
• ✔️ Offsite backup stored in cloud or external device
• ✔️ Database backup taken regularly
• ✔️ File backup taken regularly
• ✔️ Restore process tested at least once
• ✔️ Backup plugin installed if using WordPress
• ✔️ Backup BEFORE updates or changes