Network Defense Essentials (NDE) Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of cold backups?

1. They occur while the system is operational.

2. They require minimal resources.

3. They occur when the system is not accessible.

4. They are performed regularly in real-time.

The correct answer is: They occur when the system is not accessible.

A cold backup is characterized by the fact that it occurs when the system is not accessible or powered down. This means that the data is not actively being used during the backup process, ensuring consistency and integrity of the data. Since the system is not operational, all files are captured in a state that reflects exactly how they were at the time of the backup, without any changes occurring during the process. This characteristic is particularly important for databases and application servers where data integrity is critical. The absence of user transactions during the backup helps to prevent any potential issues that could arise from capturing data in a fluctuating state. In contrast, cold backups generally require more time to execute as the system must be taken offline, making them less convenient for environments requiring high availability. Furthermore, they typically demand more planning and coordination compared to backups that can occur while the system is running. Understanding this characteristic of cold backups is essential for effective data management and recovery planning.