Definition
A backup is a copy of data or system files created and stored separately from the original, serving as a safeguard against data loss. This process involves copying information from a primary source to a secondary location, such as an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a separate server. Backups are critical for business continuity, disaster recovery, and protecting against hardware failures, cyberattacks, or accidental deletions. For instance, a company might regularly back up its customer database to a secure offsite facility to ensure data availability. Unlike archiving, which is for long-term storage of infrequently accessed data, backups are intended for rapid restoration of current or recent data. This concept is fundamental in IT security and operations domains, appearing in certifications like CompTIA Security+ and AWS Certified Solutions Architect.