What are the best practices for backing up an RDBMS?

Gerenciar um ambiente RDBMS é vital, mas muitas empresas enfrentam limita??es or?amentárias. Aqui est?o dicas essenciais para pequenas empresas: 1. Automatize servi?os críticos se tiver poucos funcionários. Como identificar um servi?o crítico? Se alguém tiver que ser demitido por causa da parada daquele sistema- é CRITICO. 2. Use cofres de senhas para backups. Isso evita depender de ex-funcionários para acessar dados essenciais, especialmente em mudan?as de equipe. 3. Prefira softwares pagos para suporte em crises. Embora softwares de código aberto sejam úteis, o suporte externo pode ser mais custoso devido à complexidade. Mais dicas vir?o no próximo post. Obrigado a todos!

well let us Imagine your database is a valuable book, and backing it up is like safeguarding each chapter, and it's like a safety net for your valuable data. you would consider; 1. Regular Schedule: Establish a consistent backup routine. 2. Full and Incremental Backups: Combine full backups with incremental ones for efficiency. 3. Offsite Storage: Store backups offsite to mitigate data loss risks. 4. Versioning: Maintainin multiple versions to recover from specific points in time And many more..

In the context of software development, version control systems (VCS) play a crucial role in managing and tracking changes to source code. There are several types of version control systems, and each has its own advantages and use cases. One common type of version control is centralized version control, where there is a central server that stores the entire version history of the project. Developers can check out a copy of the code from the central repository, make changes, and then commit those changes back to the server. This ensures that there is a single source of truth for the entire project.

Including Tail Log backup in case of migrating Databases from one system to another so source database doesn't get update from outside.

Scalability and redundancy: RDBMS are designed to be scalable, allowing efficient management of large volumes of data. They can also offer replication and redundancy capabilities to ensure availability and recovery from failures.

In the realm of overseeing data backup for a company reliant on intricate databases, my role is a delicate dance between understanding business needs and navigating technical intricacies. My day kicks off with immersive discussions, gauging the importance of various databases for daily operations. Evaluating factors like server uptime, recovery point objectives, and database performance, I collaborate with IT teams to strike a balance between minimizing data loss through high backup frequencies and the strain such processes might put on system performance. Collaborating with storage experts, I ensure that our backup strategies align with available storage capacity, tailoring them to suit the uniqueness of each database's purpose.

At the same time, calculate RTO as well. Recovery point objective. Which is the targeted time duration under which Database must be restored. It's actually duration for which your database can be down for maximum time.

For critical systems, consider daily full backups with hourly incremental backups. For less critical systems, a daily backup may suffice. Transaction logs should be backed up frequently to minimize data loss. Regularly reassess backup frequency to align with evolving data volumes and application requirements. Automated scheduling ensures consistency and reliability in backup operations.

Según mi experiencia la frecuencia de copias de seguridad dependen de los requerimientos por los cuales se esta realizando la copia de seguridad, además del impacto en los servidores y el tiempo requerido para la realización de la copia. No es posible generar una solución de frecuencia, pues esto va muy de la mano con las obligaciones, el impacto y la necesidad de la continuidad de negocio. Si fuese posible un mecanismo de copias con snapshot se podría generar procesos díarios de copia de seguridad sin afectar los procesos y llegando a un cumplimiento optimo alrededor de las copias de seguridad.

1. Regular Backups: Schedule regular backups to ensure that your data is consistently protected. The frequency depends on the volume of data changes and the criticality of your application. 2. Full and Incremental Backups: Perform full backups periodically and supplement them with incremental backups for efficiency. Full backups capture the entire database, while incremental backups save changes since the last backup. 3. Automate Backup Processes: Use automated tools or scripts to streamline the backup process. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures consistency. Adhering to these best practices helps ensure the reliability, security, and recoverability of your RDBMS data in the event of unexpected incidents or data loss.

Correct. Adding one point. If backup location is a network share or Azure URL. Make sure you have good nettwork bandwidth and connectivity to the network share. It can be cross checked with Infrastructure team to get the network speed of NIC card attached with the server along with the hub & network route being used while connecting the share path. In case of Azure URL, make sure to use the correct domain and firewall rules to be opened for specific IP addresses.

Imagine you're safeguarding your most cherished memories by creating digital backups of your family photos. The backup location, akin to a secret vault, becomes the designated sanctuary for these precious files. You carefully select a secure and impervious safe, hidden away from prying eyes and potential mishaps. This safe is not only impenetrable but also easily accessible, whether you're at home or miles away. It's like a protective fortress, guarding against unforeseen calamities, ensuring that even if your computer falters or disaster strikes, the memories captured in those photos remain intact. This backup location, whether it's a local hard drive, a cloud service, or another reliable medium.

Store backups in geographically diverse locations to mitigate risks associated with disasters or data center failures. Utilize on-premises and offsite options, including cloud storage, for redundancy. Ensure that backup locations adhere to security and compliance standards, employing encryption for sensitive data. Regularly validate access to backup locations to guarantee their reliability. Document and communicate backup storage strategies to relevant stakeholders. Periodically review and update backup storage locations based on evolving business needs and data growth.

Hoy en día la facilidad en el uso de tecnologias como la nube facilitan la toma de decisiones alrededor de la ubicación de las copias, obviamente no se debe tener una dependencia única a un solo proveedor, sino tener una estrategia solida para su almacenamiento y seguridad de los datos.

The file level backup encryption knowed as TDE (Trasparent Data Encryption), with this type of encryption database files and their backups can not be viewed without the encryption key and certificate. The main disadvantage versus storage level encryption is that for encryption and decryption is using increased CPU resources and CPU resources are expensive in core count licences of most known RDBMS. Furthermore you need to consider if you lose the encryption key or the certificate there is no point of return, you cant restore your data from backups.

backup encryption is like placing your most valuable possessions in a secure vault and safeguarding it with an intricate lock and key. Just as you wouldn't want unauthorized individuals peeking into your personal belongings, backup encryption shields your data from prying eyes or unwanted alterations. Imagine using a sophisticated cryptographic algorithm, like the ones trusted by experts in the field—say AES or RSA—to create an unbreakable code that only you and trusted entities can decipher. It's not just about locking it up; it's about ensuring that your digital treasures remain intact, unaltered, and trustworthy. Think of it as a high-tech fortress where the strength of the walls (algorithm) and the uniqueness of the key play pivot role

Implement robust encryption for backup files to safeguard sensitive data during storage and transmission. Utilize industry-standard encryption algorithms and key management practices. Ensure that encryption keys are securely stored and regularly rotated. Employ a combination of data at rest and data in transit encryption to cover all aspects of the backup process. Regularly audit and update encryption protocols to align with evolving security standards. Document and communicate encryption practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and instill confidence in data protection measures.

Según mi experiencia, el realizar una copia de seguridad encriptada debe ser lo idea y responsable, pues aunque hayan mecanismos de alta probabilidad de seguridad, al final quién es el responsable único y que se puede ver afectado es en si la propia compa?ía. En otras palabras, excusas como que se vulnero la nube, o los proveedores no generaron lo acordado, no será suficiente para desviar los impactos en el mercado, en los clientes o en las leyes que podrían verse afectados por vulnerabilidades o escapes de información debido a copias de seguridad. El encriptar las copias y que la empresa sea responsable de esto es sumamente necesaria, además que la encripción debe ser minimo usando algoritmos AES.

Do not forget to test the backup restore. Onde backup configuration is completed. Always test the restore of database using backup on non-prod environment. However actual RPO & RTO may vary if non prod and prod infra isn't same.

In addition to backup frequency, location, and encryption, consider aspects like robust monitoring, disaster recovery planning, versioning, and retention policies. Integrate consistency checks for database integrity and assess the performance impact of backups. Manage user access and permissions, explore cloud integration for scalability, and automate processes for consistency. Evaluate costs, conduct regular testing, and stay updated with vendor support and employee training. These considerations collectively contribute to a comprehensive and resilient backup strategy, ensuring data protection, efficient recovery, and minimal downtime.

Es necesario tener muy claro el objeitvo de realizar las copias de seguridad. Por mi experiencia, el intentar recuperar datos, o bien, usar las copias para dar trazabilidad a un evento, ha sido una situación compleja, y demandante de muchos recursos. Es necesario saber cuando, cómo y por qué hacer copias, pero sobre todo, tener los mecanismos para usar dichas copias en eventualidades de una manera óptima y eficiente. He tenido experiencias en las que generar los datos necesarios basadas en copias de seguridad ha sido sumamente fastidioso, pues la copia no se realizó pensando precisamente en las situaciones de uso de dichas copias y las complicaciones o requerimientos de recuperación.

If you're not monitoring your backups frequently, you'll be in for a nasty surprise. Even the best systems have issues, and usually a single issue will stop days and weeks worth of backups. That makes for a very, very bad day.