"We have backups" is only useful if you know what is backed up, how often, where it is stored, and how to restore it. Different backup types protect different parts of a hosting account or server.
File Backups
File backups include website code, uploaded images, themes, plugins, and static assets. For WordPress, the wp-content/uploads directory is often the most important part because it contains media that cannot simply be reinstalled.
Database Backups
Databases hold posts, pages, settings, orders, customer records, form entries, and application data. A file backup without the database is not enough for most CMS sites. A database backup without uploaded files is also incomplete.
Full Account Backups
A full hosting account backup usually includes files, databases, mail, DNS-related settings, and control panel configuration. This is useful for moving or restoring an account, but you should still understand what is inside it.
VPS Snapshots
A snapshot captures the state of a virtual server at a point in time. It is excellent before risky system changes, but it is not always a substitute for application-level backups. If the database is busy during the snapshot, application consistency matters.
Off-Server Backups
Backups stored only on the same server are exposed to server failure, account compromise, and accidental deletion. Important sites should have at least one copy stored away from the live environment.
Restore Testing
The only way to know a backup works is to restore it. For a website, test restoring to a staging area or temporary location. Confirm files, database content, logins, forms, and media all behave as expected.
Before Big Changes
Take a fresh backup before plugin updates, theme changes, database imports, migrations, PHP version changes, and major content edits. Automatic backups are useful, but a manual pre-change backup gives you a known rollback point.
If you need help understanding what your current TekLan backups cover, open a support ticket.
