How to Validate Your Backups (Quarterly Restore Test)
- Pick a workload: Choose a critical server, database, or file share.
- Restore to a sandbox: Recover to an isolated VM or cloud instance.
- Verify integrity: Open files, check app logs, and confirm permissions.
- Measure RTO/RPO: Record time to recover and data loss window.
- Document & improve: Capture steps, gaps, and next fixes; repeat quarterly.