Backupproces

Backupproces, or the backup process, is the set of tasks and workflows used to create, manage, and restore copies of data in order to prevent loss and enable recovery after incidents such as hardware failure, human error, or cyber threats. It typically covers data capture, storage, verification, and restoration.

Backups can follow several schemes. A full backup copies all selected data; incremental backups record only changes since the last backup; differential backups capture changes since the last full backup. Some environments also use synthetic full backups, which assemble a full image from existing backups without rereading source data. The choice of scheme affects recovery time, storage needs, and processing load.

Key components of the backupproces include the data source (servers, workstations, databases), backup software or scripts, and backup targets (local disks, network attached storage, tape, or cloud). A data catalog or index helps locate items for restoration, while retention policies govern how long copies are kept. Data integrity checks, encryption, and access controls are common to ensure confidentiality and correctness.

Scheduling and objectives guide the process. Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) define how often backups occur and how quickly data must be restored. A common best practice is the 3-2-1 rule: at least three copies of data, on two different media, with one copy off-site.

Security and resilience are central to the backupproces. Backups should be encrypted in transit and at rest, protected against unauthorized access, and, where possible, stored in immutable form to resist tampering. Regular testing of restores and disaster recovery planning are essential to verify that backups can be relied upon when needed.

Operational considerations include automation, monitoring, documentation, and ongoing evaluation of storage costs, data growth, and risk exposure.