Setting up AWS S3 for Website Backups

Hi, it’s V Evans here from ET Digital Design Stress-Free Tech. Today, I’m bringing you an updated tutorial on how to sign up for AWS and get your storage setup for website backups. Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers you an entire year of free storage for up to 5GB of data, which is super economical. That’s exactly why I recommend using it. Once the free period is over, the cost for storing your website backups in your AWS bucket is just over a dollar, which is extremely affordable. I use this service for my clients’ websites as well as my own websites.

To get started with AWS S3 for website backups, follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up AWS S3

1. Signing Up for AWS

I’ve just signed up for AWS and gone through the initial steps. You need to provide a credit card for verification. Here are the detailed steps to sign up:

• Visit the AWS Signup Page: Sign Up for AWS
• Provide Your Information: You’ll need a valid email address and credit card.
• Basic Support Plan: You’ll be placed on the Basic Support Plan which is free.
• Complete the Sign-Up: Once all the information is entered, complete the sign-up process.

“AWS stands for Amazon Web Services and it offers you the first year free storage for up to 5GB of data, which is really economical, and that’s why I recommend it.”

2. Accessing the AWS Management Console

After signing up, you’ll be directed to the AWS Management Console. Here’s how you access it:

• Go to the AWS Management Console: AWS Management Console
• Sign In as the Root User: Use the login credentials you just created.

3. Navigating the New AWS Console

AWS has updated its console, so let’s get familiar with it:

• Switch to the New Console: AWS may prompt you to switch to the new console interface.

4. Finding AWS S3

The AWS console shows various services. Here’s how to find S3:

• Click on Services: Navigate to the “Services” tab.
• Locate S3: You can find S3 under the “Storage” section. If you don’t see it immediately, search for it.

5. Creating a Bucket

Before storing your backups, you need to create a bucket. Here’s how to do it:

Creating Credentials

First, create your security credentials.

• Go to Your Account: Click on your account name and select “Security Credentials”.
• Create Access Keys: Generate a new set of access keys, download them, and save them securely. These keys are essential for integrating AWS with your website.

# Example of storing credentials securely in a fileecho "AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=your_access_key_id" >> ~/.aws/credentialsecho "AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=your_secret_access_key" >> ~/.aws/credentials

Creating a Bucket

Now, create the bucket which will store your backups:

• Navigate to S3: Go back to the AWS Management Console, and click on S3.
• Create a New Bucket:
  • Click on “Create bucket”.
  • Enter a bucket name (e.g., mywebsite-backups). Note: No capital letters, spaces, or special characters.
  • Choose your region.
  • Make sure “Block all public access” is ticked.
  • Click on “Create bucket”.

Integrating AWS S3 with Your Website

Once your bucket is created, you can use it for backups. Here’s what you need:

Website Configuration for Backups

You’ll need the following information to configure your website backup:

• Access Key ID
• Secret Access Key
• Bucket Name

Make sure you copy these details into a safe place, as these keys will not be shown again for security reasons.

Example Configuration in WordPress:

Using plugins like UpdraftPlus, you can configure your backups to AWS S3.

• Install UpdraftPlus Plugin: UpdraftPlus Plugin
• Go to Settings: In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to settings and select UpdraftPlus.
• Configure Backup Settings:
  • Select AWS S3 as your remote storage.
  • Enter your AWS Access Key, Secret Key, and Bucket name.

Regular Backups

Scheduling regular backups ensure that your website data is always safe. UpdraftPlus lets you easily set schedules for regular backups.

Conclusion

Setting up AWS S3 for your website backups is a cost-effective and reliable solution. With the free 5GB of storage for the first year and minimal costs afterward, it’s an excellent choice for website owners. Follow the steps outlined in this tutorial, and you’ll have a secure, automated backup solution in no time.

I hope you found this updated tutorial helpful. Stay tuned for more tutorials, and take care!

Note: Remember to insert your AWS keys securely and to never share them publicly. Always back up your credentials in a safe place.

Take care, and I’ll see you in the next tutorial!

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out through the comments below or our support page.

Disclaimer: This tutorial is for educational purposes only. Always follow AWS terms of service and ensure you understand storage costs and security implications.