A successful backup job is not the same as a proven recovery capability.
We focus on recoverability: where copies are stored, who can delete them, when restores were last tested, what comes back first and how long the business can tolerate downtime.
Recovery architecture.
Fast recovery options for common file and system failures.
A separate recovery copy outside the primary location or infrastructure failure domain.
Access separation and protected or immutable storage options where supported by the selected platform.
Periodic recovery tests validate that data can actually be restored and used.
Recovery point and recovery time objectives are aligned with business impact rather than product defaults.
Documented priorities, credentials, dependencies and sequence of recovery.
Continuity is broader than backup.
A business may have intact backups and still be unable to operate because of internet failure, DNS, identity, licensing, unavailable credentials or a third-party dependency. Recovery planning must include the complete service chain.
When was your last real restore test?
If the answer is unclear, that is the right place to begin.