Important update regarding backup files cloud based hosting packages

This is an update we have received from the host we resell for – Heart Internet Cloud Based Servers.
The same AUP also applies to hosting packages at controlpanel.cc

As part of ongoing improvements to our hosting infrastructure, we’ll be carrying out a cleanup of backup files currently stored within hosting packages. Hosting space is intended for live website files only, and not for storing website, database, email, or general file backups.

Please note that storing backups in your hosting space is against our Terms of Service, regardless of how long they have been stored. However, as an initial step, we will be targeting backup files that are older than 30 days.

Over time, a large volume of backup files has built up across the platform, including files created by website backup tools, WordPress backup plugins, and previous migration work.

What’s happening
From 8th June, we’ll begin removing backup files older than 30 days that are stored within hosting packages.

We’ll be targeting backup files in known backup locations, including:

Files created by WordPress backup plugins, such as UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, and Duplicator
Archives left behind by website backup tools or migration work
Common backup folders, such as /backups and /wp-content/backups
Files matching backup patterns, such as .sql, .tar.gz, and .zip archives in backup directories

This should not affect live website files.

What you need to do, please review the hosting package/s you manage and download any backup files you or your customers need to keep before this work begins.

This is especially important where:

Customer sites have been migrated in the past
Backup plugins or website backup tools have been used
Backup files have been left in hosting space after troubleshooting or restoration work
Older or inactive packages may still contain customer backup files

A note on Snapshot Backups
If Snapshot Backups are enabled on a package, removed files may still be recoverable from available backup points for up to 30 days.

Even so, hosting space is not suitable for backup storage, so please download anything you need to retain before the cleanup begins.

Why we’re doing this
We’re carrying out this work to:

Reduce unnecessary storage usage across the platform
Improve platform resilience and recovery times
Support future infrastructure improvements
Help ensure hosting space is used for active website files only

Going forward, we’ll be enforcing this policy more regularly, so we recommend that any backups you or your customers need to retain are stored outside the hosting package or using a suitable backup service.

Kind regards,
The Heart Internet Team