How often should a backup be tested?

The reality in many companies

• Backups run automatically
• Errors go undetected
• Recovery is never practised

Result: In an emergency, the backup does not work as expected.

What are the risks?

• Incomplete data
• Excessively long recovery times
• Incompatible systems
• Loss of access

How often should testing be carried out?

Recommendation:

• At least once a quarter
• For critical systems: monthly
• After every major change (system, software, structure)

Best Practice: Realistic Tests

A test should be as close as possible to a real-life scenario:

• real data
• real systems
• timing of the recovery process

Backup without testing is a risk.
Only by testing regularly can you be sure that everything will work when it really matters.

Recommendation:
Schedule regular test cycles and document the results.