System backup strategies in SCADA systems - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a full backup in system backup strategies?

A full backup copies all data from the system to a backup location. It is the complete snapshot of the system at a point in time.

beginner

Explain incremental backup.

An incremental backup saves only the data that has changed since the last backup, whether full or incremental. It is faster and uses less storage.

intermediate

What is the main advantage of differential backup over incremental backup?

Differential backup copies all changes since the last full backup, making restoration faster because only the full backup and the latest differential are needed.

beginner

Why is regular testing of backups important?

Testing backups ensures that data can be restored successfully when needed. It prevents surprises during emergencies and confirms backup integrity.

beginner

Name two common storage locations for backups in SCADA systems.

Backups can be stored on external hard drives or network-attached storage (NAS). Cloud storage is also an option if security policies allow.

Which backup type copies all data every time it runs?

A Full backup

B Incremental backup

C Differential backup

D Snapshot backup

A full backup copies all data each time it runs, unlike incremental or differential backups.

What does an incremental backup save?

A Only system configuration files

B All data since last full backup

C Only data changed since last backup

D A complete system image

Incremental backup saves only data changed since the last backup, making it efficient.

Why might differential backups be preferred over incremental backups?

A They use less storage space

B They simplify restoration by needing fewer backup sets

C They are faster to create

D They backup only system files

Differential backups simplify restoration because only the full backup and latest differential are needed.

What is a key reason to test backups regularly?

A To free up storage space

B To speed up backup process

C To update backup software

D To ensure data can be restored successfully

Testing backups confirms that data restoration works when needed.

Which of these is NOT a common backup storage option for SCADA systems?

A Temporary RAM memory

B Network-attached storage (NAS)

C Cloud storage (if allowed)

D External hard drives

Temporary RAM memory is volatile and not suitable for backup storage.

Describe the differences between full, incremental, and differential backups.

Think about how much data each backup saves and how that affects storage and restoration.

Explain why backup testing is critical in system backup strategies.

Imagine needing to restore data and finding backups don't work.