{"id":4111,"date":"2016-01-23T13:08:56","date_gmt":"2016-01-23T13:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/client-data-backup-best-practices\/"},"modified":"2024-02-28T16:20:54","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T16:20:54","slug":"client-data-backup-best-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/client-data-backup-best-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Client Data Backup Best Practices"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"introduction\">\n<h2>Introduction:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<figure>\n   <a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/qyH6GLpRvJfauDv-QQhAeg.png\" alt=\"Introduction:\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/qyH6GLpRvJfauDv-QQhAeg.png\" \/> <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Technology is moving forward faster than ever, but it's not always the case that the solutions of tomorrow are the best fit for the problems of today. In developing a rock-solid practice for data backup and recovery, <strong>the best answer is often a hybrid of new and old methods.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>However, there is never really a definitive answer for all use cases - <strong>which is why policy review and process evaluation is so important<\/strong> and should be a regular part of any data management process.<\/p>\n<p>In recent years, Google have&nbsp;gone on record for how they <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tested.com\/tech\/1926-why-google-uses-tape-to-back-up-all-your-emails\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">still make use of tapes<\/a> to backup their Gmail data; and with the advent of powerful cloud computing so readily available there's no reason not to utilize it as part of your data backup plan.<\/p>\n<p>Here at Process Street, we're a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/2015\/11\/task-management-techniques\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">little<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/2015\/12\/best-organization-apps\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">obsessed<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/2016\/01\/take-better-notes\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">with<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/2016\/01\/how-to-shoot-a-free-throw\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">process efficiency<\/a>, so we made this checklist as a way to securely and quickly employ best practices for backing up your client data.<\/p>\n<p>Let's get started!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"preparations\">\n<h2>Preparations:<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"record-information-about-the-routine-backup\">\n<h2>Record information about the routine backup<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>This should be a standard for any process involving sensitive customer data, as it provides a record of who was accessing the information, and when.<\/p>\n<p>We've also included a few extra details for you to fill in that will help streamline the whole process - j<strong>ust complete the form fields below<\/strong> and you'll be ready to get started with the backup tasks.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> First name of person performing backup <\/label><br \/>\n   <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\" \/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Last name of person performing backup <\/label><br \/>\n   <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\" \/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Which client's data is being backed up? <\/label><br \/>\n   <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\" \/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"date-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> What date was the backup performed? <\/label> <\/p>\n<div class=\"date-container\">\n    <button type=\"button\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"btn btn-default\"> <i class=\"fa fa-calendar btn-icon\"><\/i> Date will be set here <\/button>\n   <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"ensure-that-you-have-relevant-access\">\n<h2>Ensure that you have relevant access<\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\">\n<figure>\n   <a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kbb7GWmj_zlA2ONDnchCTw.png\" alt=\"Ensure that you have relevant access\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/kbb7GWmj_zlA2ONDnchCTw.png\" \/> <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>This is fairly self-explanatory, but you must <strong>be certain that you will have access to the servers<\/strong> you need to back up.<\/p>\n<p>This includes both physical and virtual access. As part of best practice protocol, you should be sure that you have access to all of the following physical items before starting the process:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Any necessary identification\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Door keys\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Padlock keys\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       4\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Keys to locked server racks\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Once you've gathered these items, it's time to make sure you have the proper user access rights to perform the backup:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Network admin username\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Network admin password\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"determine-what-kind-of-backup-is-needed\">\n<h2>Determine what kind of backup is needed<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>The exact type of backup needed will depend on how much and what kind of data needs to be backed up. Factors like how long since the last backup, and exactly what was backed up last time, will all come into play.<\/p>\n<p>The backup could be:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A <strong>full<\/strong> backup (all files, data, configs, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>differential<\/strong> backup (all additions or changes since the last full backup)<\/li>\n<li>An <strong>incremental<\/strong> backup (all additions or changes since the last full, differential or incremental backup)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Usually, a <strong>weekly routine<\/strong> will require a <strong>full backup<\/strong>, however, be sure to check the arrangements with your client if you are unsure.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"select-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Which type of backup is being performed? <\/label><br \/>\n   <select disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><option value=\"An option will be selected here\">An option will be selected here<\/option><\/select>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"preventative-measures\">\n<h2>Preventative measures:<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"test-recovery-process\">\n<h2>Test recovery process<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Just like making a claim on insurance, it's often true that you only really understand how good your backup process is when you run a test of one of the backed up images.<\/p>\n<p>It follows that you should be checking your backups are working as part of a routine data recovery process!<\/p>\n<p><strong>There are a few things you can do here:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Take three of the most recent backup images\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Load them all in sequence to validate they're all working\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Once you've managed to successfully boot into the recovery images, you should perform separate tests to see how long it takes to access a single file or database. <strong>Record the average time over the tests in the form field below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> How long on average (minutes) does it take to access a file from a recovery image? <\/label><br \/>\n   <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\" \/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>It's always important to consider how to improve a process. If you think that the current backup recovery process could be improved, <strong>declare so in the form field below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"select-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Do you feel that the backup recovery process could be improved? <\/label><br \/>\n   <select disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><option value=\"An option will be selected here\">An option will be selected here<\/option><\/select>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"evaluate-recovery-process\">\n<h2>Evaluate recovery process<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>You have identified a problem with the recovery process. Try <strong>backing&nbsp;up some new&nbsp;images and&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>testing them again.&nbsp;<\/strong>It's important you try to understand the problem, as there could be many reasons why the process isn't working as you'd expect.<\/p>\n<p>If there are problems with the test images, then you should <strong>perform extensive testing to get to the route of the problem.&nbsp;<\/strong>Ultimately you may have to consider changing your backup recovery process.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Test three more random backup samples\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Perform backup troubleshooting to try and understand the problem\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Consider recent changes to the system\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       4\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Evaluate your current backup process\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Once you've performed some tests and hopefully gained a clearer understanding of the problem, <strong>provide some feedback as to how you feel the recovery process could be improved in the form field below.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"textarea-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> How do you thing the backup recovery process could be improved? <\/label><br \/>\n   <textarea placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" rows=\"3\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><\/textarea>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"make-sure-client-is-informed-about-backup-recovery-process\">\n<h2>Make sure client is informed about backup recovery process<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Unfortunately, some customers expect backups to work like magic, instantaneously reverting all of their system states to exactly how they were six months ago at the flip of a switch. Of course, that's not how it works.<\/p>\n<p>Backup downtime is a real factor that has to be expected and planned for. Even with the developments in cloud computing backup solutions, clients should understand the reality of backup downtimes and make sure they have systems in place to deal with the fallout of extended downtime due to a backup or recovery process.<\/p>\n<p>The first step is to <strong>talk to your client about this.<\/strong> Maybe you have already, but telling Jan Manager doesn't guarantee that Billy Salesforce will get the memo. It's good practice to make sure that information about backup downtime, as well as other important backup and data recovery protocol is readily available for all of your clients to access.<\/p>\n<p>Since this should be a recurring process, part of that routine is to <strong>keep on top of these notices and make sure new information is updated and distributed.&nbsp;<\/strong>We've put all this into a few short sub-tasks:<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Make sure client executives are directly informed about backup downtime\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Provide client with an easily-shareable document covering all the bases\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Make sure this document is up-to-date\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>You can even <strong>upload the data backup information document below:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"file-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Data backup recovery information document <\/label> <\/p>\n<div class=\"file-container\">\n    <button type=\"button\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"btn btn-default\"> <i class=\"fa fa-upload btn-icon\"><\/i> File will be uploaded here <\/button>\n   <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"classify-applications-based-on-company-necessity\">\n<h2>Classify applications based on company necessity<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>This task may seem strange, but it's crucial in determining which application downtimes will be most impactful to normal company functioning.<\/p>\n<p>It also goes hand-in-hand with making sure your client understands and has realistic expectations for the length of backup downtime.<\/p>\n<p>You should already have a list of application downtime priority; your task here is to <strong>make sure that list is up-to-date and that any changes are made as necessary.&nbsp;<\/strong>This will involve talking to your client and clearly understand their priorities so that you can plan backup downtime accordingly.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Review the application downtime priority list\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Append recently added applications\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Remove unused or obsolete applications\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       4\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Consult with client on the priority ordering\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"backup-process\">\n<h2>Backup process:<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"backup-data-to-local-drive\">\n<h2>Backup data to local drive<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>On to the actual backup procedure.<\/p>\n<p>Backups shouldn't just be stored in one place. This is the first of three steps you should take to make sure your backup process is solid and robust, and that if one system fails, there will be another backup there to take its place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>The process for backing up your data on a local drive is as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Make sure client is informed of expected down-time ahead of time\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Backup data to local drive\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Store backed-up drive in secure location\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       4\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Update local backed-up drive inventory logs\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>You can use a variety of mediums to store data locally, and each have their benefits and drawbacks. <strong>Declare the medium used for the local backup in this form field:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"select-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> What medium was used to back up the local data? <\/label><br \/>\n   <select disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><option value=\"An option will be selected here\">An option will be selected here<\/option><\/select>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"backup-data-to-the-cloud\">\n<h2>Backup data to the cloud<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Storing a backup copy of your client's data on the cloud can prove to be a life-saver in the event of a local accident or disaster such as damage to the property where the drives are stored, or even data theft and corruption due to old or faulty parts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Make sure an exact copy of your data is backed up to the cloud-based database of your choice.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In the spirit of local backup recovery procedures, you should make an effort to test that the cloud-based recovery images are working as they should be. <strong>Follow the sub-tasks below to do just that.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Make sure client is informed of expected down-time ahead of time\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Backup data to cloud-based data storage platform\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Download three recently uploaded recovery images\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       4\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Try and recover each of the images in succession\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"select-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Do the cloud-based recovery images load as expected? <\/label><br \/>\n   <select disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><option value=\"An option will be selected here\">An option will be selected here<\/option><\/select>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> What was the average time (minutes) it took to access a file on the cloud recovery image? <\/label><br \/>\n   <input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\" \/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"backup-data-to-a-physical-device-in-another-location\">\n<h2>Backup data to a physical device in another location<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>The third and final part of the data backup best practice to ensure most robust fault-tolerance is to<strong> make sure that an exact copy your client's data is backed up and stored at a&nbsp;<em>separate physical location&nbsp;<\/em>to your primary local drives.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The method here can be the same as the local drive backup, or you might want to hedge your bets and go for an alternate local storage medium.<\/p>\n<p>The important thing is, the medium is just as reliable, and the location just as secure. The steps for this one are pretty much the same, so go ahead and <strong>complete this sub-checklist.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"multi-select-content form-field-content\">\n<ul class=\"items\">\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       1\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Make sure client is informed of expected down-time ahead of time\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       2\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Backup data to secondary local drive\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       3\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Store backed-up drive in secure secondary location\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"step-number-container\">\n<div class=\"step-number\">\n       4\n     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"step-checkbox-container\">\n<div class=\"step-checkbox\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"item-name-static\">\n      Update secondary backup drive inventory logs\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"select-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> What medium was used to back up the secondary local data? <\/label><br \/>\n   <select disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><option value=\"An option will be selected here\">An option will be selected here<\/option><\/select>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"backup-report\">\n<h2>Backup report:<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"send-data-backup-report-to-client\">\n<h2>Send data backup report to client<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>Now that the process is all done, you have a complete report for this run of data backup.<\/p>\n<p>All the fields you filled out whilst following this checklist have been automatically added to this useful email widget below, ready to fire off to your client to inform them of the most recent backup procedure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Give it a look-over and make sure everything looks okay, and hit &quot;Send&quot;.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"evaluate-and-modify-your-backup-process\">\n<h2>Evaluate and modify your backup process<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<p>This one is a must. Times change, and <a href=\"https:\/\/searchdatabackup.techtarget.com\/feature\/What-data-backup-technologies-may-look-like-in-2028\" rel=\"nofollow\">technology along with it<\/a>. Your backup process should reflect this and include measures for you to rapidly tweak and fine-tune your arsenal of solutions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider whole&nbsp;data backup and recovery process -<\/strong> is there anything that could be improved upon? Are you aware of emerging solutions that seem to offer improvements on your current model?<\/p>\n<p>Or, it may be the case that &quot;if it isn't broke, don't fix it&quot; rings more true to you. Whatever the case, it's most important that you&nbsp;<em>consider<\/em> your process and try to be as objective as possible in your review.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We've placed a form field below for you to give your feedback.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"textarea-field-content form-field-content\">\n<div class=\"form-group\">\n   <label> Suggest improvements to the backup mediums currently in use <\/label><br \/>\n   <textarea placeholder=\"Something will be typed here...\" rows=\"3\" disabled=\"disabled\" class=\"form-control\"><\/textarea>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"sources\">\n<h2>Sources:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/themacjesus\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jesus Vigo<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.techrepublic.com\/article\/world-backup-day-best-practices-to-backup-your-data\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">World Backup Day: Best practices to backup your data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/technet.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft TechNet<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/technet.microsoft.com\/en-us\/library\/cc940364.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Developing Backup and Restore Procedures<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/technet.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft TechNet<\/a>&nbsp;- <a href=\"https:\/\/technet.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/library\/jj713516.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Manage Client Computer Backup in Windows Server Essentials<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rickcook\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rick Cook<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/searchdatabackup.techtarget.com\/tip\/Effective-data-backups-Seven-rules-to-follow\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Effective data backups: Seven rules to follow<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.2brightsparks.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">2BrightSparks<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.2brightsparks.com\/tutorials\/thebackupguide.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Backup: Your Most Important Task<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.practicepro.ca\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">PracticePRO<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.practicepro.ca\/Technology\/pdf\/Backup-Best-Practices-and-Strategies.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Backup Best Practices and Strategies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tax.thomsonreuters.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Thomas Reuters<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/cs.thomsonreuters.com\/ua\/acct_pr\/acs\/cs_us_en\/misc\/proc_back_up_restore_data_for_clients_cdmu.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Backing up and restoring data for a client via the Client Data Management Utility<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/tax.thomsonreuters.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Thomas Reuters<\/a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/cs.thomsonreuters.com\/ua\/fixa\/cs_us_en\/backup\/backing_up_client_data.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Backing up client data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/theproaudiofiles.com\/author\/robschlette\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rob Schlette<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/theproaudiofiles.com\/data-backup\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Best Practices for Backing Up Your Data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.datarecoverygroup.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Data Recovery Group<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.datarecoverygroup.com\/data-recovery-checklist-small-businesses\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Data Recovery Checklist for Small Businesses<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ELICOMPUTERGUY\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Eli the Computer Guy<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=k6dosJ9phWY\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Introduction to Backup Systems<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/linustech\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Linus Sebastian<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PnFbmqHkjGQ\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tape Drives As Fast As Possible<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ironmountain.co.uk\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Iron Mountain<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ironmountain.co.uk\/Knowledge-Center\/Reference-Library\/View-by-Document-Type\/General-Articles\/A\/A-Best-Practices-Checklist-for-Backup-Tapes.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A Best Practices Checklist for Backup Tapes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-947.ibm.com\/support\/entry\/portal\/support\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IBM Support<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www-01.ibm.com\/support\/knowledgecenter\/ssw_ibm_i_71\/rzahg\/rzahgbackup.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Backup and recovery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/data-evolution-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steve Vigeant<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.business2community.com\/tech-gadgets\/small-business-backup-server-checklist-0361810#sv7jhiH0ok3i2Q74.97\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Small Business Backup Server Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.backupassist.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BackupAssist<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.backupassist.com\/education\/articles\/tape-backup-introduction.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">An introduction to tape backup<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/peri-grover-aa63782\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Peri Grover<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.overlandstorage.com\/blog\/?p=323\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ten Reasons Why Tape Is Still The Best Way To Backup Data<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.backupassist.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">BackupAssist<\/a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.backupassist.com\/education\/bsg1.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Backup Strategy Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/debshinder\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Deb Shinder<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.techrepublic.com\/blog\/10-things\/10-physical-security-measures-every-organization-should-take\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">10 physical security measures every organization should take<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veeam.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Veeam<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/helpcenter.veeam.com\/backup\/80\/vsphere\/getting_started_with_tapes.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Getting Started with Tapes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/technet.microsoft.com\/en-gb\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft TechNet<\/a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/technet.microsoft.com\/en-us\/library\/404a51b5-99a6-43d1-b5a5-36261cb5ade2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Backing Up Your Server<\/a><\/li>\n<li>pkh, user on&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.veritas.com\/community\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Veritas<\/a> -&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.veritas.com\/community\/articles\/using-barcode-labels-why-and-how\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Using Barcode Labels - Why and How<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"related-checklists\">\n<h2>Related checklists:<\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-content\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/inventory-management-process\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Inventory Management Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/network-security-management\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Network Security Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/computer-maintenance-guide\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Computer Maintenance Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/ubuntu-server-setup-process\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Server Setup Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/virtual-private-server-setup\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Virtual Private Server Setup<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/it-support-process\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IT Support Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/helpdesk-management\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Helpdesk Management<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/server-maintenance-checklist\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Server Maintenance Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/server-security-checklist\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Server Security Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/information-security-incident-response\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Information Security Incident Response<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.process.st\/templates\/sql-server-audit-checklist\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SQL Server Audit Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction: Technology is moving forward faster than ever, but it's not always the case that the solutions of tomorrow are the best fit for the problems of today. In developing a rock-solid practice for data backup and recovery, the best answer is often a hybrid of new and old methods. However, there is never really [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4112,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"cover_icon_emoji":"","cover_icon_url":"","tasks_count":"19","template_description":"Run this checklist every week to back up your client's data","template_id":"qk6OOP7nQNkUH3ED4_ZLcw","task_0":"Introduction:","task_slug_0":"introduction","task_1":"Preparations:","task_slug_1":"preparations","task_2":"Record information about the routine backup","task_slug_2":"record-information-about-the-routine-backup","task_3":"Ensure that you have relevant access","task_slug_3":"ensure-that-you-have-relevant-access","task_4":"Determine what kind of backup is needed","task_slug_4":"determine-what-kind-of-backup-is-needed","task_5":"Preventative measures:","task_slug_5":"preventative-measures","task_6":"Test recovery 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