Backup & Recovery
Protect your data and ensure business continuity with comprehensive backup and disaster recovery strategies.
Overview
Backup & Recovery provides automated data protection, point-in-time recovery capabilities, and disaster recovery procedures to minimize data loss and downtime.
Core tasks
Backup configuration
- Backup schedules: Set automated backup frequencies and timing
- Retention policies: Configure how long backups are kept
- Storage locations: Choose primary and secondary backup destinations
- Encryption settings: Ensure backup data is properly secured
- Compression options: Optimize storage usage and transfer speeds
Data protection strategies
- Full backups: Complete system snapshots at regular intervals
- Incremental backups: Backup only changed data since last backup
- Differential backups: Backup changes since last full backup
- Continuous backup: Real-time data protection for critical systems
- Point-in-time recovery: Restore to any specific moment in time
Disaster recovery planning
- Recovery time objectives (RTO): Define maximum acceptable downtime
- Recovery point objectives (RPO): Define maximum acceptable data loss
- Recovery procedures: Document step-by-step recovery processes
- Testing schedules: Regular disaster recovery testing and validation
- Communication plans: Define notification and escalation procedures
Monitoring and validation
- Backup monitoring: Track backup success, failures, and performance
- Integrity verification: Validate backup data integrity and completeness
- Recovery testing: Test backup restoration procedures regularly
- Performance metrics: Monitor backup and recovery performance
- Alert configuration: Set up notifications for backup failures
Tips & best practices
Backup strategy design
- Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite location
- Test backup restoration procedures regularly
- Document all backup and recovery procedures
- Consider legal and compliance requirements for data retention
- Plan for different types of disasters and recovery scenarios
Storage optimization
- Use appropriate storage tiers for different backup types
- Implement data deduplication to reduce storage requirements
- Monitor storage usage and plan for growth
- Consider cloud storage for offsite backup copies
- Implement lifecycle policies for automatic cleanup
Security considerations
- Encrypt all backup data in transit and at rest
- Implement access controls for backup storage
- Regularly rotate encryption keys
- Monitor backup access and usage patterns
- Ensure backup data complies with security policies
Role-based notes
For System Administrators
- Configure and maintain backup systems
- Monitor backup performance and success rates
- Coordinate with storage and network teams
- Maintain backup infrastructure and tools
- Document backup procedures and configurations
For IT Managers
- Define backup and recovery policies
- Coordinate disaster recovery planning
- Ensure compliance with business requirements
- Manage backup and recovery budgets
- Coordinate with business continuity teams
For Compliance Officers
- Ensure backup procedures meet regulatory requirements
- Verify data retention policies are followed
- Coordinate backup testing and validation
- Maintain compliance documentation
- Ensure audit trails for backup activities
Troubleshooting
Common backup issues
- Backup failures: Check storage space, network connectivity, and permissions
- Slow backup performance: Verify network bandwidth and storage performance
- Backup corruption: Check for hardware issues and validate backup integrity
- Storage full errors: Review retention policies and cleanup procedures
- Authentication failures: Verify credentials and access permissions
Recovery problems
- Restoration failures: Check backup integrity and compatibility
- Data corruption: Verify backup data and try alternative recovery points
- Performance issues: Check system resources and network performance
- Compatibility problems: Ensure backup and restore environments match
- Timing issues: Verify backup schedules and timing configurations
Warning
Critical: Always test your disaster recovery procedures before a real emergency occurs.
Disaster recovery runbook checklist
Pre-incident preparation
- ✓ Document all system configurations and dependencies
- ✓ Maintain current contact lists for all stakeholders
- ✓ Establish communication channels and procedures
- ✓ Define decision-making authority and escalation paths
- ✓ Prepare public relations and client communication templates
Incident response
- ✓ Assess the scope and impact of the incident
- ✓ Activate incident response team and procedures
- ✓ Notify stakeholders and begin communication plan
- ✓ Implement immediate containment measures
- ✓ Begin data recovery and system restoration
Recovery and restoration
- ✓ Restore critical systems and data from backups
- ✓ Verify system functionality and data integrity
- ✓ Test critical business processes
- ✓ Gradually restore non-critical systems
- ✓ Monitor system performance and stability
Post-incident activities
- ✓ Conduct post-incident review and analysis
- ✓ Update disaster recovery procedures based on lessons learned
- ✓ Document incident timeline and response actions
- ✓ Update risk assessments and mitigation strategies
- ✓ Schedule follow-up testing and validation
What's next
- Security Settings - Configure backup encryption and access controls
- System Configuration - Optimize system performance for backup operations
- Webhooks - Set up backup status notifications