I'm currently using an FTP server for backups, but it's manual and I want to automate the process. Here's what I have in mind:
- A NAS on my local network, which is a Linux server managing multiple large hard drives in a RAID configuration. I'm considering:
1. Which Linux distribution would be suitable for this?
2. What backup software should I use to keep daily/weekly/monthly incremental backups and one full backup each year, while sending data to cloud storage?
- For long-term storage, I'm looking into a rented cloud option that keeps all data in the EU.
- My computers will map a folder from the NAS as a network drive, ensuring data isn't stored on the local machine, but several users need access to different folders. I'm pondering:
3. How can I synchronize these folders on the network share easily?
4. What happens if the data gets out-of-sync between computers?
- Regarding the router, which is a Fritz!Box, I have several firewall rules in mind:
5. Are all my proposed settings possible and secure?
6. How often should I update the NAS software? Is updating once a year adequate?
I have most of the plan figured out, but I need suggestions, especially for the highlighted questions. Also, are there any cloud providers that offer automatic incremental backups?
2 Answers
Remember, it's safer to pull your backups, not push them. This means set up the system to retrieve data from the source rather than sending it to cloud storage constantly. Yes, it can be a bit complex, but it often results in a more secure and efficient setup in the long run!
For your NAS, I recommend going with a stable and common Linux distro like Debian or Ubuntu Server. They’re user-friendly and well-supported. For your backup software, check out Restic or BorgBackup—they handle encrypted, incremental backups very effectively and are perfect for your needs. Just ensure you push your backups to EU-compliant cloud storage like Backblaze B2, Wasabi, or Hetzner.
For offline file access and sync, tools like Nextcloud or Syncthing are great. They simplify things by managing changes efficiently instead of manual syncs. Also, to improve security, consider using WireGuard VPN instead of exposing your NAS directly via port forwarding.
Great suggestions! I think sticking to well-tested software and utilities is key.
That sounds complicated! I thought using a cloud provider would simplify things. Do you have any recommendations for services that can handle this properly?