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■ Transaction files

■ User files

■ User information

■ Utilities

Again, this list isn’t all-inclusive, but it provides a place to start.

In most environments, the volume of information that needs to be stored is growing at a tremendous pace. Simply tracking this massive growth can create significant problems.

An unscrupulous attacker can glean as much critical information from copies as they can from the original files. Make sure your storage facilities are secure, and it is a good idea to add security to the backup media as well.

You might need to restore information from backup copies for any number of reasons. Some of the more common reasons are listed here:

■ Accidental deletion

■ Applications errors

■ Natural disasters

■ Physical attacks

■ Server failure

■ Virus infection

■ Workstation failure

The information you back up must be immediately available for use when needed. If a user loses a critical file, they won’t want to wait several days while data files are sent from a remote storage facility. Several types of storage mechanisms are available for data storage:

Working copies Working copy backups—sometimes referred to as shadow copies—are partial or full backups that are kept at the computer center for immediate recovery purposes. Working copies are frequently the most recent backups that have been made.

Typically, working copies are intended for immediate use. They are usually updated on a frequent basis.

Working copies aren’t usually intended to serve as long-term copies. In a busy environment, they may be created every few hours.

Many file systems used on servers include journaling. A journaled file system (JFS) includes a log file of all changes and transactions that have occurred within a set period of time (such as the last few hours). If a crash occurs, the operating system can check the log files to see what transactions have been committed and which ones have not.

This technology works well and allows unsaved data to be written after the recovery, and the system is usually successfully restored to its precrash condition.

Onsite storage Onsite storage usually refers to a location on the site of the computer center that is used to store information locally. Onsite storage containers are available that allow computer cartridges, tapes, and other backup media to be stored in a reasonably protected environment in the building.

As time goes on, tape is losing its popularity as a medium for backups to other technologies. The Security+ exam, however, is a bit dated and still considers tape the ideal medium.

Onsite storage containers are designed and rated for fire, moisture, and pressure resistance. These containers aren’t fireproof in most situations, but they are fire rated: A fireproof container should be guaranteed to withstand damage regardless of the type of fire or temperature, whereas fire ratings specify that a container can protect the contents for a specific amount of time in a given situation.

If you choose to depend entirely on onsite storage, make sure the containers you acquire can withstand the worst-case environmental catastrophes that could happen at your location. Make sure, as well, that they are in locations where you can easily find them after the disaster and access them (near exterior walls, on the ground floor, and so forth).

General-purpose storage safes aren’t usually suitable for storing electronic media. The fire ratings used for safes generally refer to paper contents. Because paper does not catch fire until 451° Fahrenheit, electronic media is typically ruined well before paper documents are destroyed in a fire.

Offsite storage Offsite storage refers to a location away from the computer center where paper copies and backup media are kept. Offsite storage can involve something as simple as keeping a copy of backup media at a remote office, or it can be as complicated as a nuclear-hardened high-security storage facility. The storage facility should be bonded, insured, and inspected on a regular basis to ensure that all