A Guide to Backup Types
Posted on 26 March 2025 by Beaming SupportData is essential in all businesses and a robust backup strategy is non-negotiable. At Beaming, we understand the importance of data security, and we’re here to guide you through the various backup options available. In this post you will find the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each, as well as introduce you to the enhanced security offered by air-gapped backups.
Types of backups explained in this post:
Full-backup, Incremental backup, Differential backup, Mirror backup, Cloud backup, Local backup, Hybrid backup, plus, find out which can be Air-gapped.
Full Backup
Description: A full backup creates a complete copy of all data at a single point in time.
Pros:
- Comprehensive data protection.
- Simplifies restoration, as all data is contained within a single backup.
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming and resource-intensive due to large storage requirements.
- Inefficient if there are minimal changes between backups.
When to Use:
- Best suited for environments where total data recovery is critical and the extra time and storage costs are manageable.
- Ideal as a baseline backup before implementing incremental or differential strategies.
Incremental Backup
Description: Captures only the data that has changed since the last backup (either full backup or the last incremental backup). To restore your data, you need the original full backup and every single incremental backup entry since then.
Pros:
- Faster to perform and requires less storage than full backups.
- Efficient for frequent, smaller backup intervals.
Cons:
- Lengthy restoration process, as it requires merging the full backup with all subsequent incremental backups.
- Higher risk of data loss if one backup in the chain is corrupted.
When to Use:
- Suitable for dynamic environments with frequent changes to data, such as business operations with daily updates.
Differential Backup
Description: Backs up all changes since the last full backup. To restore your data, you only need the original full backup and the latest differential backup.
Pros:
- Faster than a full backup while more comprehensive than incremental backups.
- Restoration is simpler than incremental backups, needing only the full backup and the most recent differential.
Cons:
- Backup size grows over time as changes accumulate.
- Requires more storage than incremental backups.
When to Use:
- Ideal for weekly backups in conjunction with a full backup strategy to balance restoration speed and efficiency.
Mirror Backup
Description: A real-time, exact replica of source data. When you make a data change, the mirror backup changes too. It is like having an identical twin of your data.
Pros:
- Always up-to-date and ready for immediate use.
- Excellent for mission-critical systems where downtime is unacceptable.
Cons:
- Lacks historical data versions.
- It will also mirror deletions or corruptions instantly, making it vulnerable to human error.
When to Use:
- Best for systems requiring high availability, such as server environments or active databases.
Cloud Backup
Description: Saves data to a remote server accessible via the internet.
Pros:
- Protects against physical damage to local systems, such as fires or floods.
- Scalable and accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity.
Cons:
- Dependent on internet speed for uploads and downloads.
- Involves recurring costs based on storage and usag.
When to Use:
- Ideal for distributed teams or businesses prioritising off-site storage for disaster recovery.
Local Backup
Description: Stores data on local hardware, such as external drives or Network Attached Storage (NAS).
Pros:
- Faster data access and restoration.
- Total control over the backup environment.
Cons:
- Vulnerable to theft, fires, or hardware failure.
- Requires consistent hardware maintenance.
When to Use:
- Perfect for individuals or small businesses valuing speed and control over cost-efficiency.
Hybrid Backup
Description: Combines both local and cloud backups for a balanced approach.
Pros:
- Balances speed (local) and security (cloud).
- Provides redundancy for improved reliability.
Cons:
- Increased complexity and costs.
- Requires effective management of both local and cloud components.
When to Use:
- Ideal for medium to large businesses aiming for a robust disaster recovery plan.
Air-Gapped Backups: An extra layer of security
An air-gapped backup involves physically isolating the backup system from any network to prevent cyber threats, such as ransomware.
Backup methods that can be Air-Gapped:
- Full Backup: Store on disconnected external drives or tape backups.
- Incremental/Differential Backup: Save to external storage and disconnect after backup sessions.
- Local Backup: Achieve air-gapping by disconnecting NAS or external drives post-backup.
- Mirror Backup: Typically not air-gapped but can be configured on manually disconnected external storage.
Backup methods that cannot be Air-Gapped:
- Cloud Backup: Requires network access for remote data transfer, making it inherently connected.
- Hybrid Backup: While the local component can be air-gapped, the cloud portion remains connected.
When to use Air-Gapped backups:
- Essential for safeguarding against ransomware and other cyberattacks.
- Ideal for sensitive data requiring maximum protection through manual management.
By understanding these backup methods, you can create a tailored strategy that meets your specific needs.
Beaming work with businesses of all sizes to implement and manage data backups, contact us if you need a partner to support you.