A backup is only useful if you can restore it
Understand the gap between storing backups and recovering a service.
Define recovery objectives
Agree how much data loss and downtime the business can tolerate. These requirements shape backup frequency and recovery preparation. An informational website and a continuously trading store may need different plans.
Separate your copies
A copy on the same server may disappear with the original. Use independent storage and appropriate permissions. Check retention, encryption and how access can be recovered when the administrator is unavailable.
Document a recovery test
Restore into an isolated environment, verify data and exercise critical workflows. Record the steps and time taken. A test exposes missing files, encryption keys or configuration that was never captured.