Cloud Backup Glossary
Plain-language definitions of common terms you'll run into when reading about cloud backup and data protection.
Backup job
A defined, typically scheduled task that specifies what data to back up, where to, and how often.
Cloud storage
Remote storage space on a provider's servers, accessed over the internet rather than physically attached to your device.
Disk image
A complete snapshot of an entire drive, including the operating system, programs, and files, rather than just selected folders.
Encryption at rest
Encrypting stored data while it sits on a server, protecting it even if the storage itself were compromised.
Encryption in transit
Encrypting data while it's being uploaded or downloaded, so it isn't exposed as plain text over the network.
Full backup
A backup that copies all selected data in full, as opposed to only copying what has changed since the last backup.
Incremental backup
A backup that only uploads data that has changed since the previous backup, generally faster than a full backup.
NAS (network-attached storage)
A dedicated storage device connected to a network, often used for shared file storage in a home or small office.
Retention policy
The rules that determine how long backed-up data or previous file versions are kept before being automatically deleted.
Restore point
A specific point in time you can recover data or a system state back to, distinct from a full disk image.
Version history
A record of previous versions of a file, letting you restore an earlier copy rather than only the most recent one.
Zero-knowledge encryption
An encryption approach where only the user holds the decryption key, meaning the provider itself generally cannot access the data — but also cannot help recover it if the key is lost.