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Data Backups

Updated Jan 30, 2024 ·

Considerations​

Data Backup involves creating duplicate copies of critical data and storing them off-site. These backups serve as a safeguard in case the primary data becomes unavailable due to a disaster or incident.

  • On-premises
    • Tape
    • Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
    • Storage Area Network (SAN)
  • Offsite
    • Cloud
  • Frequency
    • Daily
    • Weekly
    • Bi-monthly
    • Monthly
  • Compression
  • Encryption
  • Type of Backup
  • Virtual Machines
    • Snapshots
    • Custom images

Data Recovery Process​

  1. Selection of Backup

    • Identify the most recent and relevant backup.
    • Ensure backup integrity and completeness.
    • Choose the appropriate backup type (full, incremental, differential).

  2. Initiating the Recovery Process

    • Load the backup data onto the recovery system.
    • Follow the recovery protocol for the specific backup software.
    • Monitor the progress to identify any issues early.

  3. Data Validation

    • Verify the completeness of the recovered data.
    • Check for any corruption or missing files.
    • Compare the restored data with the original backup.

  4. Testing and Validation

    • Test the recovered data in a controlled environment.
    • Ensure all applications and services function correctly.
    • Confirm data integrity and usability.

  5. Documentation and Reporting

    • Record the recovery process steps and outcomes.
    • Document any issues encountered and their resolutions.
    • Generate a comprehensive report for stakeholders.

  6. Notification

    • Inform relevant parties of the recovery completion.
    • Provide details on the restored data and any discrepancies.
    • Communicate any follow-up actions required.

Data Backup Strategies​

Effective data backup strategies help organizations recover from data loss incidents and minimize downtime.

  • Robotic Tape Changers

    • Automate the process of managing and swapping tape storage.
    • Increase efficiency in data backup and retrieval processes.

  • Offsite Backups

    • Store backup data at a geographically separate location.
    • Protect data from local disasters, such as fire or flooding.

  • Hot Backups

    • Also known as quiescent or snapshots.
    • Data is backed up while system remains operational; less downtime.

  • On-demand Backups

    • Initiated manually or based on specific user requests.
    • Provide flexibility for immediate data protection when needed.

  • Disk-to-disk Backups

    • Transfer data directly from one disk to another, speeds up process.
    • Facilitate faster recovery times compared to tape backups.

  • Remote Journalling

    • Log shipping for database recovery
    • Only transaction information is captured, not the whole copy.
    • Quick recovery of recent transactions in case of data loss.

  • Electronic Vaulting

    • Data is backed up locally to a tape, then copied to a remote site.
    • The backup could be copied electronically over the internet.
    • Uses a lot of internet resources and bandwidth.
    • Encryption (VPN) must be used while transferring over internet.
    • Ensures data is regularly updated and protected from loss.

Data Backup Types​

Backup TypeDescription
Normal/Full Backup
  • Copies all selected files and data
  • Provides a complete snapshot at a specific point in time
  • Archive bit is reset to indicate each file has been backed up
Incremental Backup
  • Copies only data changed since the last backup
  • All sets are needed to restore; fast to backup but slow to restore
  • Efficient in storage space but may require multiple backups for complete restore
  • Archive bit is reset to indicate each file has been backed up
Differential Backup
  • Copies all data changed since the last full backup
  • Requires two sets to restore; slow to backup but faster to restore
  • Requires less time for restoration compared to incremental backups
  • Archive bit is NOT reset
Mirror Backup
  • Creates an exact copy of the source data
  • Ensures a one-to-one replica but may not offer versioning
Snapshot Backup
  • Captures the state of the system or data at a specific point in time
  • Provides a consistent view for backup purposes without affecting ongoing operations
Cloud Backup
  • Stores data in an offsite cloud environment
  • Enhances data accessibility and provides a secure offsite backup solution

Validating Backups​

Validating backups is important to ensure they are completed successfully and that critical business operations can continue in the event of a disaster. Without proper validation, backups may fail unnoticed, risking data loss and downtime.

  • Built-in Backup Verification Mechanisms

    • Use software's built-in verification
    • Enable it, if it is not on by default.
    • Review backup logs for errors or warnings.
    • Log any backup failures as incidents in the ITSM system for follow-up.

  • Regularly Test Backups

    • Perform simple restoration tests to verify backup integrity.
    • Schedule regular full restore drills to ensure backups work in real scenarios.
    • Document and analyze test results to improve future processes.

Resources​