Backups vs snapshots (when to use which)

Topic: Backups recovery

Snapshots are point-in-time copies of a volume or disk, often in the same system or cloud; backups are copies stored separately, often with retention and restore verification. Use both for different recovery scenarios. Use this when designing backup strategy or explaining the difference to stakeholders.

Intent: Decision

Quick answer

  • Snapshots are fast, same-region (or same-array) point-in-time copies; good for quick rollback or clone. They may live on the same storage tier or same account; if the system is lost or encrypted by ransomware, snapshots can be lost too.
  • Backups are copies to another system, region, or media; often with retention and integrity checks. Use for disaster recovery and when you need to survive loss of the primary system or account.
  • Use both: snapshots for fast restore and short-term rollback; backups (to different region or offline) for DR and ransomware. Verify restores for both; test recovery regularly.

Steps

  1. Define snapshot

    Snapshot is a point-in-time copy of a volume or dataset, typically in the same storage system or cloud account. Restore is often fast; cost is incremental. If the account or array is compromised or destroyed, snapshots may be too.

  2. Define backup

    Backup is a copy stored elsewhere (different region, account, or media) with retention and often integrity verification. Slower to create and restore; use for DR and when primary is unavailable or compromised.

  3. When to use each

    Snapshots: quick rollback, clone for test, short-term retention. Backups: long retention, cross-region DR, ransomware recovery, compliance. Many teams use both (e.g. daily snapshots plus weekly backup to another region).

  4. Verify both

    Test restore from snapshot and from backup; document RTO and RPO for each. Ensure backup copy is immutable or access-controlled so ransomware or admin error cannot delete it.

Summary

Snapshots are fast, same-system point-in-time copies; backups are copies to another location with retention and verification. Use both for different recovery scenarios; verify restores and protect backups from deletion. Use this when designing or explaining backup strategy.

Prerequisites

None.

Steps

Step 1: Define snapshot

Snapshot is a point-in-time copy in the same system or account; fast restore; may be lost if the system is lost.

Step 2: Define backup

Backup is a copy to another location with retention; use for DR and when primary is unavailable or compromised.

Step 3: When to use each

Use snapshots for quick rollback and short-term; use backups for DR, long retention, and ransomware recovery. Use both where needed.

Step 4: Verify both

Test restore from snapshot and backup; document RTO and RPO; protect backup from deletion or encryption.

Verification

You can explain the difference and when to use each; restores are tested; backup copy is protected.

Troubleshooting

Only snapshots, no backup — Add backup to another region or media for DR. Backup not tested — Schedule restore tests; document and fix gaps.

Next steps

Continue to