Database Backup Strategies: Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

Data Loss Is Catastrophic

Databases contain irreplaceable business data. Hardware fails, humans make mistakes, and attacks happen. Backups are your insurance policy.

Backup Types

Full Backups

# Complete database dump
mysqldump -u root -p --single-transaction --routines \
    --triggers database_name > backup_$(date +%Y%m%d).sql

# Compress
gzip backup_$(date +%Y%m%d).sql

Incremental Backups

# MySQL binary logs for point-in-time recovery
# Enable in my.cnf:
# log_bin = /var/log/mysql/mysql-bin.log
# expire_logs_days = 7

# Backup binary logs along with full backups

Laravel Backup Package

composer require spatie/laravel-backup

// config/backup.php
'backup' => [
    'source' => [
        'databases' => ['mysql'],
    ],
    'destination' => [
        'disks' => ['s3'],
    ],
],

// Schedule backups
$schedule->command('backup:run')->daily()->at('02:00');
$schedule->command('backup:clean')->daily()->at('03:00');

The 3-2-1 Rule

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage types
• 1 offsite location

Testing Restores

# Regular restore testing is critical
# Create restore test environment
mysql -u root -p test_restore < backup_20241106.sql

# Verify data integrity
php artisan db:seed --class=BackupVerificationSeeder

# Compare key metrics with production

Retention Policy

• Daily backups: Keep 7 days
• Weekly backups: Keep 4 weeks
• Monthly backups: Keep 12 months
• Yearly backups: Keep indefinitely

Conclusion

Backups are worthless until you need them—then they're priceless. Automate backups, store offsite, and test restores regularly. Don't learn your backup strategy failed during an actual disaster.