A backup is a copy of files, programs, or system information kept to help recover them later. To restore is to retrieve that copy and put the information or function back into use. Recovery is broader: it is the planned work of bringing systems and business functions back after a disruption. A backup is only useful if it can be retrieved and restored successfully.
What do backup and restore mean?
NIST’s Computer Security Resource Center (CSRC) glossary defines a backup as “A copy of files and programs made to facilitate recovery if necessary.” The glossary draws definitions from multiple publications, so terms should be understood in the context of their source documents. NIST CSRC: backup
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Backup can also apply to system information or processing status, not just personal files. NIST describes system backup as copying information or status to a redundant system, service, device, or medium that can provide needed processing capability when required. NIST CSRC: system backup
Restore is the action of bringing backed-up information, files, or functions back into use. Recovery refers to the wider process of restoring organizational missions or business functions after disruption; systems may then undergo reconstitution to return to a fully operational state. NIST CSRC: recovery NIST SP 800-34 Rev. 1
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Backup, restore, and recovery compared
| Term | What it describes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Backup | Making and keeping a copy for possible recovery. | Copying files to a separate storage device. |
| Restore | Retrieving a backup and putting the data or function back into use. | Recovering a deleted file from a saved copy. |
| Recovery | The coordinated effort to restore systems, operations, or business functions after disruption. | Restoring data, switching to alternate equipment, or using temporary manual processing. |
NIST describes contingency planning as a coordinated strategy of plans, procedures, and technical measures that enable recovery of information systems, operations, and data after disruption. The appropriate route depends on the disruption and recovery needs. NIST CSRC contingency planning
What makes a backup useful?
Keeping a copy is not proof that recovery will work. The copy must be retrievable, intact, and restorable. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5.1 includes controls for testing backup reliability and integrity, and calls for using a sample of backup information to restore selected system functions as part of contingency-plan testing. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5.1
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- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
A portable external hard drive is one possible destination for backup copies, alongside other storage media or services. Buying storage hardware by itself does not establish that files can be recovered; retrieval and restoration still need to be exercised.
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There is no universal backup interval that fits every person, system, or organization. NIST defines the recovery point objective (RPO) as the point in time to which data must be recovered after an outage. In practical terms, the RPO helps determine how much recent data could be lost and therefore informs how frequently backups should be made. Backup frequency should align with the system’s recovery point and recovery time objectives; those requirements are organization- and system-specific. NIST CSRC: recovery point objective NIST SP 800-34 Rev. 1
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Ways to recover after a disruption
Restoring from a backup is one recovery route, but not the only one. NIST contingency-planning guidance also describes alternate equipment, alternate or manual processing, and alternate locations. Which option is appropriate depends on the disruption, the system, and how quickly functions need to return. NIST CSRC contingency planning
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Restore from a copy: retrieve backed-up data or system information and return it to use.
- Use alternate equipment: move processing to another available system or device.
- Process manually or through an alternate method: maintain necessary work while normal systems are unavailable.
- Operate from an alternate location: continue functions from another site when the usual location cannot be used.
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