A backup is a copy of data that serves as a safeguard against unexpected data loss or errors. There are two main types of backups: full backups that copy all database data and require more storage, and incremental backups that only copy changed data since the last backup and require less storage but more time to restore. Backups can be performed offline after shutting down the database or online while the database is running. Database security protects the database from threats through securing hardware, software, people, and data to minimize losses from theft, loss of confidentiality or privacy, and loss of availability.