Data Backup Verification and Restore Test Checklist
This data backup verification and restore test checklist ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-34 contingency planning guidelines, ISO 27001:2022 A.8.13 information backup requirements, SOC 2 Type II A1.2 availability controls, and HIPAA Technical Safeguard backup procedures. Designed for backup administrators and IT operations teams to validate backup integrity and restore capability monthly. Complete all sections to certify backup reliability.
- Industry: Telecommunications & IT
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
- Role: Backup Administrator / IT Operations
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: NIST SP 800-34 Rev.1 Contingency Planning, ISO 27001:2022 A.8.13 Information Backup, SOC 2 Type II A1.2 Availability Controls, HIPAA §164.312(a)(2)(ii) Emergency Access, 3-2-1 Backup Rule Best Practice
Backup Job Status Review
Review backup job success rates for the review period.
- Backup job success rate >= 95% for review period?
- All failed backup jobs investigated and resolved?
- All backup alerts and warnings reviewed?
- Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) met for all critical systems?
- Backup schedules current and aligned with business requirements?
Backup Coverage Verification
Ensure all critical systems are included in backup.
- All critical systems in backup scope per BIA?
- New systems deployed this month added to backup?
- Cloud workloads (IaaS/SaaS) backup coverage verified?
- Offsite/cloud backup replication verified (3-2-1 rule)?
- Immutable/air-gapped backup copy available?
Restore Testing
Actual restore test execution and validation.
- Restore test executed from production backup set?
- Restored data integrity verified (hash comparison or application test)?
- Restore completed within Recovery Time Objective (RTO)?
- Both file-level and full system restore tested?
- Restore Test Results
Backup Security Controls
Backup data protection and access controls.
- Backup data encrypted at rest and in transit?
- Backup system access restricted to authorized administrators?
- MFA required for backup platform admin access?
- Backup activity audit logs reviewed?
- Backup admin accounts reviewed for least privilege?
Retention and Compliance
Retention policy compliance verification.
- Retention policies configured per regulatory requirements?
- Legal hold procedures active for any relevant backups?
- Backup storage capacity adequate (< 80% utilized)?
- Data past retention period securely purged?
- Retention policy documented and approved?
Monthly Backup Report
Summary reporting and management communication.
- Monthly backup compliance report generated?
- All issues and exceptions documented?
- Remediation plan for open items?
- Report reviewed by IT management?
- Backup Success Rate Report Screenshot
Related IT & Data Security Checklists
- SSL/TLS Certificate Management Audit Checklist
- Email Security Gateway Configuration Review Checklist
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Readiness Assessment Checklist
- IT Vendor Contract Renewal Review Checklist
- Network Switch/Router Firmware Audit Checklist
- Patch Management Compliance Audit Checklist
- IT Service Catalog Review Checklist
- Technology Refresh Planning Checklist
Related Cybersecurity Checklists
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 1 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 2 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 3 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 4 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 5 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 6 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 7 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 8 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 9 - FREE Download
- Batch 4G Cyber Checklist 10 - FREE Download
Why Use This Data Backup Verification and Restore Test Checklist?
This data backup verification and restore test checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for backup administrator / it operations professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with NIST SP 800-34 Rev.1 Contingency Planning, ISO 27001:2022 A.8.13 Information Backup, SOC 2 Type II A1.2 Availability Controls, HIPAA §164.312(a)(2)(ii) Emergency Access, 3-2-1 Backup Rule Best Practice. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Data Backup Verification and Restore Test Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Backup Job Status Review, Backup Coverage Verification, Restore Testing, Backup Security Controls, Retention and Compliance, Monthly Backup Report. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.
Who should use this Data Backup Verification and Restore Test Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Backup Administrator / IT Operations professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.