A backup you have never restored is a hope
A backup is a separate copy of your files, kept away from the main computer. Backups are your best hope of recovery from a ransomware attack, and they need scheduled recovery tests[2]. Good practice also keeps an offline, encrypted copy and tests it[3].
The test comes after setup and before you sign acceptance. You watch it happen.
The test has five steps
We restore a copy of your files onto a spare computer.
You pick a real file, one we did not choose.
We open it from the restored copy.
You compare it with the original.
We write down the time it took.
- You sign acceptance only after you have seen the test pass.
- LimitThe agreement draft treats it as a test that must pass. The client contract is still a draft that a lawyer has not yet reviewed.
If it fails
Do not sign acceptance until you have seen this pass. If it fails, we fix it and run it again.
Ask how long a full recovery takes
Ask us how long a full recovery is expected to take. The answer belongs in writing. Then repeat the test on a schedule you both write down.
For the shorter four step drill that repeats on that schedule, read backups you have actually tested.
Write these five things down
Sources
- MeshVault, The MeshVault Book, Edition 3, 2026-09-29, page 038 (your first restore test), with pages 030 and 035 for status and the setup week. Source line printed in the book: [9][10]; agreement draft, sec 4.
- CISA, Back Up Business Data. Read 2026-09-29. cisa.gov Book source 9.
- CISA, StopRansomware Guide. Read 2026-09-29. cisa.gov Book source 10.
What to do next
In the one-week install, the restore test runs on day 4 with you watching, and you sign acceptance only after you have seen it pass. The exact days depend on your office, and your written quote governs.
The one-week install costs $1,500 as of . Requote before use. It may not cover hardware, taxes or any work after the week. Ask for the quote in writing (book page 035).