Which backup operation is based on changes since the last backup?

An incremental backup is designed to capture only the changes that have occurred since the last backup, whether that last backup was a full backup or another incremental backup. This method is efficient in terms of both time and storage space, as it only adds the data that has changed, rather than duplicating the entire dataset.

In a typical backup strategy, a full backup creates a complete copy of all data, while an incremental backup builds on this by only assessing the data that has altered since the most recent backup. This reduces the overall amount of data processed and minimizes the time needed for the backup operation. When restoring data, however, you would need to access the last full backup and then apply each of the incremental backups taken after that point in time to fully restore the system to the desired state.

Differential backups, by contrast, back up all changes made since the last full backup, resulting in larger data sets as time goes on until the next full backup is completed. Continuous backup captures data in real-time or near real-time, without following the structured approach of traditional backup methods.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for implementing effective data protection strategies in a cloud environment.