CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Data and Database FundamentalsHard
After implementing a new nightly backup routine, an IT administrator wants to be fully confident the backups can actually be used to recover data in an emergency. Which action should the administrator take to validate this?
- AIncrease the backup retention period to one year
- BRename the backup files to include the current date
- CCompress the backup files to save storage space
- DPeriodically perform a test restore of backup data
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Periodically perform a test restore of backup data
Performing a test restore verifies that backup files are not corrupted and that the recovery process actually works, which is the only way to confirm backups are truly usable in a disaster. Retention period, file naming, and compression do not verify the backup's actual recoverability.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Longer retention keeps more backup history but does not verify usability.
- B. Renaming files improves organization but proves nothing about backup integrity.
- C. Compression saves space but does not confirm the backup will restore correctly.
Backup Restoration Testing
The process of periodically restoring data from backup files to verify that the backup is complete, uncorrupted, and usable for actual disaster recovery.
- Untested backups may be corrupted or incomplete without anyone knowing
- Should be performed on a regular schedule, not just after creation
- Confirms both data integrity and the recovery procedure work as expected
Memory trick: A backup you never tested is just a guess — restore it to prove it works.