Backup and Restore Policy
Introduction
The purpose of this Backup and Restore Policy is to explain our procedures for the systematic and secure backup and restoration of Customer Data within Patently.
Scope
This policy applies to all third-party service providers who have access to the Services.
Services as defined in Terms of conditions for Access.
Customer Data annotations and other information added by Customers on the Patently computer systems.
Customer Configuration Data permissions, schemas and user config settings.
Backup Procedures & Schedules
a) ElasticSearch
Daily Snapshots
Purpose: To capture a comprehensive snapshot of the entire ElasticSearch database on a daily basis.
Execution Time; Daily snapshots will be initiated during non-peak hours to minimize any impact on system performance.
Hourly Snapshots
Purpose: To provide granular recovery options and minimize potential data loss by capturing changes at an hourly frequency.
Execution Time: Hourly snapshots will be scheduled throughout the day, with consideration for workload patterns to avoid peak operational hours.
b) MySQL
Daily Backups
The data management protocol involves the creation of backups at daily intervals.
These backups encapsulate the entire Login and Organizational data within the MySQL database.
The daily backups provide a detailed and up-to-date representation of the database content.
The purpose of these frequent backups is to enable rapid restoration in case of operational issues or data loss.
Hourly backups contribute to the overall resilience of the data storage system.
Weekly Backups
In addition to the hourly backups, a weekly backup routine is implemented.
Weekly backups serve as comprehensive snapshots of the MySQL database, ensuring a broader temporal scope.
These backups are stored securely on a cloud server hosted by LDeX.
The weekly backup frequency addresses the need for mid-term data recovery and operational stability.
LDeX's secure cloud server ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the weekly backup data.
Monthly Backups
A monthly backup strategy complements the more frequent hourly and weekly backups.
Monthly backups provide a longer-term perspective and a strategic point for data recovery.
The entire Login and Organisational data from the MySQL database is included in these backups.
Monthly backups contribute to a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.
The secure storage of monthly backups on LDeX's cloud server further enhances data reliability and accessibility.
c) Microsoft SQL Server
Automated Backups
Azure SQL Managed Instances provide automated backups, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Backups are taken regularly, ensuring the continuous protection of data without requiring explicit user actions.
Point-in-Time Restore
The Service supports point-in-time restore capabilities, allowing users to restore databases to specific moments in time.
This feature is valuable for recovering from accidental data changes or errors.
Backup Storage
We utilise Microsoft Azure Storage, to store snapshots securely. Ensuring that the backup storage solution meets compliance and security standards.
Data Encryption
Backups are encrypted transparently, providing an additional layer of security for sensitive data during the backup process.
Retention Periods
ElasticSearch hourly snapshots are retained for 7 days, conversely ElasticSearch Daily snapshots will be retained for an indefinite timescale, ensuring historical data availability for recovery purposes.
Our managed SQL Instances offer 35 day rolling retention periods for backups, providing extended historical data protection.
MySQL daily data is retained for 14 days.
Testing and Verification
We regularly test backup and restore procedures to validate their effectiveness. Conducting periodic recovery drills to ensure that data can be restored successfully within acceptable time frames.
Restore Procedures
a) ElasticSearch
Access Snapshot Repository
Stop Writes to the Index (Optional)
List Available Snapshots
Close Index(es) (Optional)
Restore Daily/Monthly Snapshot
Open Index(es)
Verify Data Integrity
Resume Writes (Optional)
b) Microsoft SQL Server
Access Backup Files
Connect to the SQL Server Managed Instance
Verify Backup Integrity
Identify the Target Database
Restore Database Structure
Restore Database Data
Adjust Configuration (If Necessary)
Verify and Test
Monitor and Optimize
Backup the Restored Database (Optional)
c) MySQL
Access Backup Files
Stop MySQL Server
Copy Backup Files
Verify Backup Integrity
Create a Backup of Existing Data
Restore Database Structure
Restore Database Data
Adjust Configuration (If Necessary)
Start MySQL Server
Test the Restored Database
Monitor and Optimize
Backup the Restored Database (Optional)