1
What to test each quarter
- Restore at least one full backup to a test environment and verify data integrity and completeness.
- Test recovery of individual files, databases, and application configurations, not just full system images.
- Verify that backup schedules are running as expected and that no jobs have been silently failing.
2
Document results and gaps
- Record restore times, data completeness, and any errors encountered during the test.
- Note any gaps: systems not covered by backup, retention periods that don't meet business needs, or stale configurations.
- Compare results against your recovery time objectives to confirm they are still achievable.
3
Act on findings
- Fix any backup failures or coverage gaps immediately; do not defer to the next quarter.
- Update documentation if backup procedures, storage locations, or responsible contacts have changed.
- Brief stakeholders on results so leadership understands the organisation's actual recovery capability.