A successful backup is an important starting point. Only a restore shows whether work can resume after data loss. This requires a verifiable process: select suitable data, restore it in a controlled environment and open it together with the person responsible.
Start with a specific work task
A green backup status does not tell you whether an important file, an application or an entire workstation will be usable again. The test should therefore answer a real question: can an older project file, for example, be opened in its intended application? Are its contents and version correct? Can the required permissions be verified?
A single file may be enough for an initial check. However, this does not replace a recovery exercise for databases, applications or complete systems. The scope depends on the work that must become possible again after an outage.
Choose the destination before restoring
A test directory, a separate device or a suitable test environment prevents live working data from being overwritten accidentally. Define the backup version, destination and access rights before starting. If malware is suspected, recovery belongs within a coordinated incident response process.
A NAS can serve as local storage or a backup destination. DAXS offers Synology products, among others. The overall backup design remains decisive: which data is included, who can modify backups, and which copy remains accessible during an outage or attack?
Four results make the test traceable
- Selected version: Which data was restored from which backup?
- Actual use: Could the data be opened in the required application and checked by the responsible specialist?
- Time required: How long did preparation, recovery and approval take in total?
- Outstanding dependencies: Which accounts, licences, devices or information were still missing?
Record these results in clear documentation. A measurement initially describes the particular test performed. It is not a blanket commitment for other data volumes or a complete system failure.
Make testing repeatable and clarify responsibilities
Agree testing intervals and scope to suit the business. Changes to applications, data flows or permissions may justify an additional check. It is equally important that a substitute can carry out the process using the designated access credentials.
The CISA #StopRansomware Guide recommends keeping separate backups and testing recovery regularly. The technical and organisational implementation depends on the environment concerned.
The next practical step
DAXS assesses existing backups, plans suitable test tasks and assists with technical recovery and documentation. A manageable first step is to test the restoration of an important work file together. This provides a basis for defining the scope needed for further applications and systems.
Backup & recovery at DAXS · Business infrastructure · Discuss a recovery test
