Data Protection & Safety

The data backup schedule consists of full-verified backups performed weekly, and differential verified backups performed daily. “Verify” is an option selected in the tape backup setup menu, which ensures that data has been copied accurately onto the tape. The full backup consists of recording a new copy of all operating systems, application software, and data contained on the server onto a digital tape cassette. The differential backups consist of all data files that have changed since the last full backup. Under this schema, a system failure on Tuesday which requires a complete rebuild of the hard drive would be remedied by an initial reinstallation of Windows NT, followed by a restore of the previous full backup, and completed with a restore of the differentials up to Tuesday. On a daily basis (Monday through Friday), Veritas BackupExec emails the backup status logs to the data systems manager for review. The written record includes the type of backup, tape used, overall status, and the initials of the data systems manager who verified the backup.

The backup tapes, which are in current rotation, are stored off site at a secure facility. The monthly archive backup tapes are stored for at least ten years. The differential backup tapes are reused as necessary, but data on the tapes is not replaced sooner than one month. Written procedures are in place for performing full data restoration recovery, as well as contingency plans for both prevention and recovery. DCU SOPs address prevention plans to be followed in case of weather emergencies.