Backup refers to the duplication of databases or even saved data files onto another site that is not the primary site, for the purpose of preserving them for future use just in case there is a system failure or a catastrophic event that may lead to the system being affected.

Businesses or enterprises usually carry out backups so as to reduce the chances of their data being vulnerable to the occurrence of events that might damage the data or lead to its loss. These events may include the failure of hardware, hacking, corruption of files and natural events such as fire, hail and floods. Backup helps with the return of lost data to its previous state such that there is little difference between when the loss occurred and when the data was still intact. This process is carried to ensure that data is retrieved in a manner that is rapid as well as reliable.