If data is lost, can you get it back?
A one-off review of your backups, with restore tests for agreed data and systems. You get evidence of what was recovered, whether it was usable and how long it took, with clear priorities for any gaps.
When it helps
When you need evidence that important data can be recovered, or want to check concerns you already have.
Backups run. Restores haven't been tested.
The reports say backups are working, but no one has checked whether the saved data can be used.
- Select backup samples that reflect your priorities.
- Restore them in the agreed test environment.
- Check that the recovered information is usable.
Your systems changed. Did your backups keep up?
New tools, migrations or changes of provider may have left important data outside the backup routine.
- Compare the agreed data and systems with backup coverage.
- Check schedules, retention and access arrangements.
- Test selected backups and identify coverage gaps.
You may need more than yesterday's copy
A deletion or unwanted change may only become obvious later. You need to know how far back your backups go.
- Check which dates and versions are available.
- Restore an agreed older sample and check its contents.
- Flag gaps against the history your business needs.
Recovery time is still an estimate
You know how quickly data would need to be available again, but have little evidence of how long a restore takes.
- Time the agreed sample restores and record test conditions.
- Identify delays in access, preparation or the restore itself.
- Explain what the results can and cannot establish.
Evidence from restores, with clear next steps.
We agree the systems, backup samples and checks before starting. The findings distinguish what was tested from what remains unconfirmed.
Backup arrangements and sample restores.
- Coverage of the agreed data and systems.
- Backup schedules, retained copies and available job records.
- Access and the permissions needed to restore.
- Restore tests in an agreed environment.
- Checks that restored information is usable.
- Observed restore times, test conditions and limitations.
Restore results and clear next steps.
- A summary of backup coverage and the arrangements reviewed.
- Test records showing the backup date, conditions, restore time and usability checks.
- Findings that identify successful, failed, blocked and untested items.
- Prioritized recommendations, with dependencies and a walkthrough of the results.
Not part of this audit.
Any further work is optional and agreed separately.
- Redesigning backup systems or implementing fixes.
- Full disaster recovery exercises or testing every backup.
- Emergency recovery during an active incident.
How it works
We coordinate the review and testing with your team or providers, then explain the results and priorities.
Agree what matters
We start with the data your business depends on, existing concerns and any previous test results. Together we agree the systems, samples, checks, price and timing.
Prepare the tests
We coordinate access and review the backup arrangements. Before testing, we agree the environment, how restored data will be handled and any activity that could affect live systems.
Restore and check
We run the agreed restores, record how long they take and check that the recovered information is usable. Your team helps confirm the checks that need business or application knowledge.
Turn findings into priorities
We walk you through the results, limits and recommended next steps. You get a written record your team, IThesion or another provider can use to address the gaps.
Ready to put your backups to the test?
An informal 30-minute call to discuss your backup concerns and see whether a restore audit is the right next step.