Backup Testing and Validation

Regular testing ensures backups remain recoverable when needed. However, testing introduces security risks by creating additional copies of sensitive data. Test environments must maintain equivalent security controls as production, including access restrictions, encryption, and monitoring. Automated testing can verify backup integrity without human access to sensitive data.

Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO) testing validates business continuity plans while identifying security gaps. These tests should include security validation—ensuring restored systems maintain appropriate access controls, encrypted data remains protected, and audit logs continue functioning. Security teams must participate in disaster recovery exercises to ensure security isn't compromised during emergency restorations.