Data Governance

Backup & Recovery Policy

A backup and recovery policy template defining backup strategies, schedules, testing requirements, and recovery procedures for organisational data.

12-16 pages|Updated 2026-02-15|2 frameworks

What's Included

1. Purpose & Scope

Defines backup policy objectives and covered systems.

2. Backup Strategy

Outlines full, incremental, and differential backup approaches.

3. Backup Schedules

Defines backup frequency by data criticality.

4. Backup Storage

Specifies on-site, off-site, and cloud storage requirements.

5. Backup Testing

Establishes regular backup testing and verification.

6. Recovery Procedures

Defines step-by-step data recovery procedures.

7. Review & Compliance

Sets review schedule and audit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a backup & recovery policy include?

A comprehensive backup & recovery policy should include purpose & scope, backup strategy, backup schedules, backup storage, and more. This template covers 7 key sections aligned to ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53 requirements.

Which frameworks require a data governance policy?

Major frameworks requiring data governance policies include ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53. This template maps directly to their control requirements, making it easier to demonstrate compliance across multiple standards.

How often should a backup & recovery policy be reviewed?

Best practice is to review your backup & recovery policy at least annually, or whenever significant changes occur in your organisation, technology environment, or regulatory landscape. Most frameworks including ISO 27001 and NIST CSF require documented policy review cycles.

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