[BCDR Testing]

Backup and Disaster Recovery Testing: A Simple Guide for SMBs

Imagine losing your customer database right before a major sale. Or picture your business grinding to a halt because a ransomware attack wipes out your files. Could you recover quickly? For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), backup and disaster recovery isn’t just a tech buzzword - it’s your safety net. But here’s the catch: backups only work if you test them. That’s where disaster recovery testing comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why backup testing matters, how to test your disaster recovery plan, and practical steps to ensure your business stays resilient. No tech expertise needed - just a commitment to protecting your data, customers, and reputation.

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why Disaster Recovery Testing
Matters for SMBs

Data loss or downtime can be devastating. Studies show 60% of SMBs hit by major data loss close within six months. Untested backups are like an unopened parachute - you hope they work, but you won’t know until it’s too late. That’s why backup and disaster recovery testing is non-negotiable.

The importance of disaster recovery testing lies in its ability to be:

Reliable

Confirm your backups are reliable through testing backup integrity.

Restorable

Ensure you can restore critical data or systems fast, minimizing downtime.

Realistic

Support business continuity planning by preparing you for the worst-case scenarios.

BE prepared with Business continuity and Disaster Recovery TestING.

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How to test your Disaster Recovery Plan

Here’s a straightforward process to get started:

01

Review Your Backups

Check what’s being backed up (e.g., customer records, emails), where it’s stored (e.g., cloud or external drives), and how often.

02

Simulate a Disaster Recovery

Test restoring a single file, a folder, or even an entire system. For example, pretend a server crashed - can you recover your data quickly?

03

Analyze and Improve

Document what worked, what didn’t, and fix any issues (e.g., corrupted files or slow restores).

Best Practices

- Test Regularly: Schedule BDR Testing quarterly or after major system changes to catch issues early.
- Use a Disaster Recovery Testing Checklist: Create a simple list to track what’s tested, who’s involved, and what to fix.
- Involve Your Team: Assign roles (e.g., who restores data, who contacts customers) to ensure everyone’s prepared.
- Secure Offsite Backups: Store backups in the cloud or another location to protect against fires or theft.
- Partner with Experts: Keystone can handle backup restore testing and ensure testing backup integrity for you.

Plan Ahead, Avoid Chaos.

Types of Disaster Recovery Tests

Not all tests are the same. Different types of disaster recovery tests prepare you for specific scenarios.
Here are the most common tests:

01

Backup Restore Testing

Verify you can recover individual files or folders. For example, restore a customer’s order history to confirm it’s intact.

02

Full System Recovery

Test restoring an entire server or database to ensure you can get back online after a major failure.

03

Scenario Based Tests

Simulate real-world crises like ransomware, floods, or hardware crashes to practice your disaster recovery plan.

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Avoid these
Common BCDR Mistakes

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Not testing often enough

Don’t assume your backups are fine. Regular backup testing catches problems before they become crises.

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Skipping Backup Restore Testing

If you’ve never restored data, you’re gambling with your business. Test restores to confirm they work.

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Forgetting documentation

Without a clear disaster recovery testing checklist, recovery can be chaotic. Write down steps and results.

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Overlooking necessary Training

Your team needs to know their roles during a crisis. Practice together to avoid confusion.

Protect your business with confidence.

Backup and disaster recovery testing isn’t just about tech - it’s about protecting your customers, your revenue, and your peace of mind. By prioritizing disaster recovery testing, you’re ensuring your SMB can bounce back from any challenge, whether it’s a cyberattack or a natural disaster.

Start small: run one backup restore test this month. Use a disaster recovery testing checklist to stay organized. And if you need help, our team is here to make business continuity planning simple and affordable.

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