Database backup verification checklist

Topic: Databases core

Use this checklist to verify database backups are configured, running, and restorable. Covers backup schedule, retention, restore test, and access control. Run periodically and before major changes or go-live.

Intent: Checklist

Quick answer

  • Backup schedule: confirm backup job runs on schedule (cron or scheduler); check last run time and success. Retention: confirm old backups are removed per policy (e.g. keep 7 daily, 4 weekly).
  • Restore test: restore latest backup to a test instance; verify database is consistent (e.g. run application smoke test or checksum). Document restore time (RTO); fix any failure before relying on backup.
  • Access and security: backup storage is not writable by application or same credentials as DB; backups are encrypted; only authorized roles can trigger restore. Alert on backup failure.

Prerequisites

Steps

  1. Schedule and success

    Confirm backup job runs at expected frequency; check logs and last modified time of backup files. Alert on failure; no silent failures.

  2. Retention and location

    Verify retention policy (e.g. 7 daily, 4 weekly); confirm old backups are deleted or archived. Backup location has enough space; consider off-site or second region copy.

  3. Restore test

    Restore latest backup to a test DB; run application smoke test or validate key tables. Record restore duration; update runbook if steps differ.

  4. Security and access

    Backup credentials and storage are restricted; backups encrypted. Only authorized personnel can restore; document who and how. Runbook available when primary is down.

Summary

Checklist for backup schedule, retention, restore test, and security. Use this to confirm backups are reliable and restorable.

Prerequisites

Steps

Step 1: Schedule and success

Verify backup runs on schedule; check logs and file timestamps; alert on failure.

Step 2: Retention and location

Confirm retention policy and cleanup; ensure space and optional off-site copy.

Step 3: Restore test

Restore to test instance; validate data and app; record restore time.

Step 4: Security and access

Restrict backup access and storage; encrypt backups; document restore authorization.

Verification

  • All items checked; backup and restore are reliable and documented.

Troubleshooting

Backup not running — Fix cron or scheduler; check credentials and permissions. Restore fails — Fix backup consistency or restore procedure; re-test.

Next steps

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