Backup exists, but restore was never tested

Problem

Backups exist, but no one knows if restore actually works.

Why it happens

Teams often automate backup jobs but skip restore drills, validation steps, version checks, and documentation. The backup looks healthy on paper, but the recovery path remains unproven.

Fix / Approach

Treat restore testing as part of the backup system, not as a separate optional activity. The real control is not only whether data is saved, but whether recovery can be executed within the expected time and state.

Command / Config

Restore checklist:

• Confirm backup location
• Confirm backup version
• Restore into isolated environment
• Validate application or database state
• Document restore time
• Document restore steps
• Record known limitations

When to use

• Databases
• Wazuh indexer
• OpenSearch
• Object storage
• Critical application data
• Configuration backups
• Compliance-related systems

When not to use

• Temporary lab data
• Disposable environments
• Non-critical scratch systems

Common mistakes

• Assuming backup success logs prove restore success
• Testing restore only once and never repeating it after major changes
• Restoring data without validating application behavior afterward