Stuff Happens... Disaster Recovery

Fire, Flood, Tornado, Hurricanes, Hardware Failure and Data Corruption happen.  They are part a way of life.  When these things happen, then the phone calls about lost data and how to get it back begin to come into RFMS Help Desk.  The best way to prevent permanent data loss is by having and following a backup and recovery plan.

Here at RFMS we have learned this lesson first hand.  If you haven't read about it, click here and see how we handled it.  We want you to realize that protecting Vital Business Information with a disaster recovery and qualified network staff is a CRITICAL part of running a company.

Many clients have reported they have a backup but have never tested or reloaded it only to find it too late it did not provide sufficient information or the tape was damaged. Testing recovery practices is one of the most critical elements of a solid disaster recovery plan. Testing periodically helps ensure the policies for backup and files stored will be effective if or when a complete system restore is needed.

*Tape Media should be tested based on the “life” of the tape and with the help of a qualified technician.

*Offsite Backup Option allows for recovery processes and those policies should be reviewed and tested in advance as well.

1. 1. 1. 1.  Review your policies with a qualified Network Technician to ensure you are covered.
         2. Overall system files as well as data files should be reviewed when determining what files to back- up.
         3. In the overall Disaster Recovery Plan that includes how UPDATES/CHANGES to applications are incorporated.

BACKUP TAPE MEDIA OPTION:

How Often? Daily-Rotated

*It is recommended several different tapes are used to create a backup for 1-2 weeks of data.
*Tapes should be rotated by designating one for each day of the week (Mon-Tues-Wed) with back-ups performed each day.

How to Store Them?

*When a back-up is successful, the tapes should be taken and stored OFFSITE. Taking the tapes to another location is the only assurance that if there is a natural disaster it is protected.
*Fire proof cabinets may protect the tape from burning however since tape is heat sensitive data can still be destroyed inside this type of cabinet.

 How do I know it was successful?

*Error Checking is critical for the software to perform and the user to monitor.
*If there are errors reported for a backup it was NOT a successful back-up that most businesses would risk depending on for recovery.
* Tapes should be checked for deterioration and should be replaced (see recovery)

Recovery

A backup’s sole purpose is to allow the data stored to be re-loaded if a disaster occurs.
Regularly scheduled test of the back up performed to ensure all data is being captured and media is not damaged

 OFFSITE BACKUP OPTION:

*Many businesses now offer full back-up and error checking of your server done over a high-speed internet connection at a designated time each day.
*This option replaces the purchase and maintenance of tape drives, tapes, error checking and making sure the tapes are taken offsite each day.
*Check with a qualified Network Technician for recommendations.

Backing up your data is just the first step in a realistic emergency preparedness plan. Just because the backups run doesn't necessarily mean the backup is valid. Just because the backup is valid doesn't mean you have a ready place to restore it. How solid is your plan? Have you actually practiced your plan? Is it time for drill?