Image-based backup verification testing

Overview

Backups without verified restores are fantasies. Automate surebackup/instant VM labs where product supports.

Cadence

Monthly random VM boot smoke; quarterly application login validation.

Evidence

Screenshot OS splash + service status; store with compliance packet.

Scope creep

Client requests “test every VM monthly”—quote incremental labor or risk-based sample size statistically justified.

Failure response

Open Sev ticket to storage/engineering; extend immutability window until chain healthy if ransomware feared.