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How Backups Work

This page explains how SalvageData Backup protects your data and what happens behind the scenes.

Core concepts

User account

Your user account stores: - Backup configuration - Devices linked to your account - Backup history and restore points

You sign in using your email/username and password.

Device

Each computer running the backup agent is registered as a device.

  • A single subscription typically includes one device
  • Additional devices can be added by upgrading your plan

Storage Vault

A Storage Vault is the secure destination where your backups are stored.

  • Storage is encrypted
  • Vaults are provisioned automatically
  • Users cannot delete or modify vaults on personal plans

Protected Item

A Protected Item defines what is backed up.

For personal backup plans, this is typically: - Files and folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.)

Backup schedule

A backup schedule defines when backups run.

Typical behavior: - Daily backups - Automatic retry if a backup is missed - Backup runs the next time the computer is online

What happens during a backup

  1. The agent scans selected folders
  2. Files are broken into encrypted, deduplicated blocks
  3. Only new or changed data is uploaded
  4. Data is sent securely to the storage vault

This makes backups efficient and reduces bandwidth usage.

First backup vs future backups

First backup

  • Uploads all selected data
  • May take several hours depending on size and internet speed

Ongoing backups

  • Only changes are uploaded
  • Typically much faster

Backup versions (snapshots)

Each backup creates a snapshot: - Allows restoring previous versions of files - Protects against accidental deletion or ransomware

Retention policies control how long snapshots are kept.

When backups run

Backups run automatically: - On the configured schedule - When the computer starts (if a backup was missed) - When you manually click Run backup now

You do not need to keep the app open.

Encryption and security

  • Data is encrypted before leaving your device
  • Encryption keys are unique per user
  • SalvageData cannot read your files

What is not backed up

To keep backups fast and efficient, system files and temporary data are excluded, including: - Operating system files - Application caches - Temporary folders - Cloud-sync caches (e.g., OneDrive system folders)

Summary

  • Backups run automatically in the background
  • Only changed data is uploaded
  • Multiple versions are retained
  • Files can be restored at any time

If you ever suspect malware or ransomware, do not restore over existing files. Restore to a new folder first and contact support.