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Checklist: Performing data backups |
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Test your backups often |
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This is the biggest mistake I see related to data backups -- especially with tape backups -- and it always seems to bite you at the worst time. Tapes go bad, and data can become |
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corrupt or get erased altogether. It's extremely important to test your backups by doing a
test restore (to a secondary location) to ensure your backup media is accessible and |
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the data is in good shape. Do this with every tape or disk you back up to on a periodic
basis, such as once a month. It only takes a few minutes, but the task can be priceless. |
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Document the steps for testing your backups. This information comes in handy in case
you need to figure out how to get your data back in a disaster recovery situation. |
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Rotate your backup media |
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This seems obvious, but it's very important for two reasons. First, you can go back a day,
a week or even a month, depending on your rotation schedule. At least have a tape, |
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image, DVD or other media type for each day of the week. Consider having four different "Friday" tapes so you can go back an entire month if necessary. Second, backup media, |
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especially tapes, can wear out over time. If you use the same tape every day, it increases your chances of not getting good backups. |
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Keep your backup software updated |
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Software vendors often release software updates that fix certain problems with backup schedulers, data integrity and so on, so make sure you keep your software up to date. |
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Some vendors rarely update their software. You'd think this means the software is almost perfect, but it's usually the other way around. It's normal for software vendors to release |
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updates on a periodic basis, so make sure you're always running the latest version.
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Don't place backup tapes near monitors or uninterruptible power supplies |
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Electromagnetic fields coming from computer monitors, uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) and even printers can corrupt data on backup tapes or erase it altogether. |
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Store your backup media in a fireproof media safe |
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It's OK to leave your backup tapes, disks or other backup media onsite if you keep them stored in a fireproof media safe. Backup media can melt or burn at a lower temperature |
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than paper and other belongings you might store in a regular fireproof safe. Be sure to
look for safes that are made specifically for media. Their special design would keep the |
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inside of the safe cooler for longer than a standard fireproof safe would. If you take your media offsite, be careful not to leave it in a hot automobile or subject it to drastic |
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temperature changes very quickly, as these can defeat the purpose of your protection.
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Keep your backup software in a safe place |
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If your software license allows it (most do), make a copy of your backup software and keep
it in a fireproof safe or offsite in case you misplace it or lose it in a disaster. This copy |
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will be one of the first things you need to restore your backup.
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Password-protect your backup media |
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This can help keep the data from unauthorized access in the even of theft. Some backup software even supports encryption, so consider that, as well. It'll take more time for the |
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backup, but it will be more secure.
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Clean your tape drive |
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If you use a tape drive for backups, it's imperative to run a cleaning tape in the drive once
a month or as frequently as the drive manufacturer recommends. This will lengthen the |
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life of the tape drive and tapes and also improve the integrity of the data being written
to the tape; if the head is dirty, the data that can be written to the tape, if any at all, will |
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be corrupt.
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Automate your backups |
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Unfortunately, we get busy and can easily forget to perform a backup. If your software supports it, automate your backups so you don't have to worry about it every day. |
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Don't forget about open files |
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If files are left open by the program accessing them, they're usually not backed up or
backed up properly. Either close out all of the programs that may keep data files loaded |
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or use backup software that supports the backup of open files.
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Originally published on SearchSmallBizIT.com. |
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Kevin Beaver, founder, Principle Logic LLC
