Creating offsite backups is essential for ensuring your website data can be restored in the event of loss, hacking, or server failure. One reliable method is to create an FTP backup through cPanel, which allows you to store copies of your files and databases on a remote server. This guide walks you through how to set up and optionally automate FTP backups using cPanel's built-in tools.

What Is an FTP Backup?

An FTP backup transfers your website files and databases to a remote server or storage location via File Transfer Protocol (FTP). This method is ideal for keeping offsite copies of your data, reducing the risk of total data loss if something happens to your primary server.

How to Create an FTP Backup in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel

1. Open your web browser and go to your cPanel login page (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/cpanel).

2. Enter your username and password.

3. Click Log in.

2. Access the Backup Wizard

1. In the cPanel dashboard, scroll to the Files section.

2. Click Backup Wizard.

3. Start the Backup Process

1. On the first screen of the Backup Wizard, click Backup.

2. Select Full Backup to include all website files, emails, databases, and account configurations.

4. Configure the FTP Backup Destination

1. Under Backup Destination, choose Remote FTP Server from the dropdown menu.

2. Fill in the required FTP details:

   • Remote Server: Enter the FTP server’s hostname or IP address (e.g., ftp.example.com).

   • Remote User: Enter the FTP username provided by the destination host.

   • Remote Password: Enter the FTP password.

   • Port: Use 21 unless your server uses a custom FTP port.

   • Remote Directory: Enter the path where the backup file will be stored (e.g., /backups/).

3. (Optional) Enter your email address in the notification field to receive an alert when the backup completes.

5. Start the Backup

1. Click Generate Backup.

2. cPanel will compress your website data into an archive.

3. Once complete, the backup file will be uploaded to the remote FTP destination you specified.

Note: The time it takes depends on the size of your website and the speed of the remote server.

How to Automate FTP Backups

Automating your FTP backups ensures regular protection of your website without manual effort.

Set Up a Cron Job

1. In cPanel, scroll to the Advanced section and click Cron Jobs.

2. Define the frequency of the job:

   • For daily backups:
     0 2 * * *

   • For weekly backups:
     0 2 * * 0

3. Enter a command to create and send the backup. Example:

   • /usr/local/cpanel/bin/backup --force

Note: The actual command to trigger remote FTP backup depends on your server's configuration and backup system (e.g., JetBackup, custom script). Contact your hosting provider for exact command syntax if this does not work.

Tips for Automating FTP Backups Securely

• Use SFTP (Secure FTP) or FTPS if supported by your remote server for encrypted transfers.

• Make sure the remote FTP server has enough storage and proper folder permissions.

• Regularly check your backups to confirm they were completed successfully and are restorable.

• Rotate old backups manually or using a script to avoid storage overuse.

Setting up an FTP backup through cPanel is a smart way to safeguard your website data by keeping copies in an external location. Whether done manually or through automation, regular backups help ensure you can quickly recover from technical issues, errors, or data loss.