Understanding Backups

The importance of backing up data can’t be overstated. Data will be lost at some point as long as an organization is using computers. Data can be corrupted through hardware failures, software bugs, accidental deletions, natural disasters, and malicious attacks. However, the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major catastrophe is the existence of a backup. If a reliable backup exists, the lost data can be restored. If a backup isn’t available, the lost data can result in significant losses.

---

EXAM TIP Backups are useful only if they can be restored. Organizations typically include test restore procedures in their backup plan. A test restore verifies that the backed-up data can be restored.

---

A backup policy identifies what data is important to an organization and what data needs to be backed up. Backup policies include retention policies that identify how long backed-up data should be kept. As a reminder, backup policies are authoritative in nature and can help justify the purchase of backup materials. Tape drives, tapes, backup software, and dedicated backup servers can all add up to significant costs. However, if the backups are dictated by a policy, the costs are justified.