Table of Contents
Automated backups are essential to protect your data and ensure quick recovery in case of accidental deletion, server failure, or malware attacks
Step 1: Update Your System
Before setting up backups, make sure your VPS is up to date.Keeps your system secure and ready for backup tools.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Create a Backup Directory
Create a dedicated directory to store backups.Stores all backup files in a central location.
mkdir -p /home/username/backups
Step 3: Create a Backup Script
Write a simple shell script to back up important directories.Compresses important directories into a timestamped backup file.
nano /home/username/backup.sh
Add the following content:
#!/bin/bash
tar -czf /home/username/backups/backup-$(date +%F).tar.gz /var/www /etc
Step 4: Make the Script Executable
Allow the backup script to run.Grants execute permissions to the backup script.
chmod +x /home/username/backup.sh
Step 5: Test the Backup Script
Run the script manually to ensure it works correctly.Verifies that backups are created without errors.
/home/username/backup.sh
Step 6: Automate Backups with Cron
Schedule automated backups using cron.Automates backup execution without manual intervention.
crontab -e
Add a line to run the backup daily at 2 AM:
0 2 * * * /home/username/backup.sh
Step 7: Verify Backups Regularly
Check your backup directory and ensure files are being created.Confirms that automated backups are working as expected.
ls -lh /home/username/backups/
Step 8: Optional – Remote Backup
For extra safety, copy backups to a remote server or cloud storage.Keeps backups safe even if the VPS fails.
rsync -avz /home/username/backups/ user@remote_server:/path/to/backups/
