1. Purpose
The purpose of this Backup Policy is to define the procedures and responsibilities for ensuring the backup and recovery of data in TestFit’s Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, which utilizes AWS Aurora for database storage and AWS S3 for file storage.
2. Review and Updates
TestFit may update or otherwise change this Backup Policy (a) to align with changes in technology, service offerings or business requirements or (b) as TestFit otherwise deems appropriate in its discretion. TestFit notifies customers of Backup Policy changes by posting the latest version and its effective date to TestFit’s website. TestFit may also notify customers of Backup Policy changes by other means TestFit deems appropriate in its discretion.
3. Backup Strategy
TestFit employs a comprehensive backup strategy to safeguard critical data and ensure business continuity. The strategy includes regular backups, replication, and offsite storage using AWS Aurora and AWS S3 services.
4. Backup Components
a. Database Backups
AWS Aurora Replication: TestFit utilizes AWS Aurora’s replication capabilities to maintain a standby replica of the database. The replication process is designed to ensure changes to the primary database are continuously mirrored to the replica, providing real-time data redundancy.
Database Snapshots: The TestFit database is captured periodically via snapshot and retained. These snapshots are designed to enable TestFit to restore the database to the specific point in time within the retention period, thereby allowing recovery from data loss or corruption with minimal data loss.
b. File Storage Backups
AWS S3 Versioning: TestFit enables versioning on AWS S3 buckets used for file storage. S3 versioning is designed to retain all versions of an object in the S3 bucket, enabling file recovery in the case of unexpected modification or accidental deletion.
5.Backup Frequency
a. Database Backups
Continuous Replication: The database replication process ensures that data changes are constantly mirrored from the primary database to the replica.
Automatic Daily Backups: TestFit schedules automatic daily backups of the primary database using AWS Aurora’s backup service.
b. File Storage Backups
Real-time Updates: Changes to files stored in AWS S3 buckets are immediately saved and versioned via S3 backup, which is designed to provide real-time data protection.
6. Data retention
a. Database Backups
TestFit retains automatic daily backups in AWS Aurora for a period of 30 days.
AWS Aurora Replication: The standby replica in AWS Aurora is designed to maintain a current copy of the database and retains data consistent with the primary database.
b. File Storage Backups
TestFit retains file versions in AWS S3 for 90 days.
7. Data Restoration
a. Database Restoration
In the event of data loss or corruption, TestFit performs restoration using a backup snapshot. TestFit first attempts to restore data to the latest available point in time within the retention period. Then TestFit works to restore any newer data from the replicated database in an effort to minimize or avoid data loss.
b. File Restoration
In the event of accidental file deletion or modification, Testfit restores the required files using the versioning feature of AWS S3.
8. Backup Testing and Monitoring
TestFit regularly tests the database and file storage backups to identify any issues that may affect integrity or recoverability.
Automated monitoring systems are in place to detect backup failures or anomalies and promote prompt resolution of issues.
9. Disaster Recovery
In the event of a catastrophic failure or disaster that affects the primary AWS availability zone, TestFit will utilize the replicated database to restore to a different availability zone or region depending on the severity of the failure.