AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Exam

Configure Backup Policies and Retention Settings

Azure Backup is a crucial tool for data protection in Microsoft Azure, securing information stored in Azure Blobs. It provides both operational and vaulted backups, helping safeguard data against any unintended or harmful deletion. Creating a Backup Vault is the first step in this process, as it serves as the storage destination for all backup data.

Creating a Backup Vault

To establish a Backup Vault, follow a few straightforward steps. Start by navigating to the Business Continuity Center, choose the Overview section, and click on + Configure protection. From there, select Datasource type as Azure Blobs (Azure Storage) and identify Azure Backup as the preferred solution. When configuring your backup, select the appropriate Backup Vault that will be tied to your storage accounts. This setup ensures your data is correctly positioned within the Azure environment for efficient protective measures.

Defining Backup Policies

A backup policy outlines the schedule of recovery points and specifies how long they're retained. This policy manages both operational and vaulted backups. When setting your backup preferences, you have the chance to either choose an existing policy or create a new one. Define a backup schedule where:

• Vaulted backups can occur daily or weekly, depending on your needs.
• Utilize the grandparent-parent-child format for assigning retention rules.
• Operational backups are ongoing without a fixed schedule but come with specific retention settings.

Through thoughtful planning of these policies, continuity and recovery of data are maintained across different operational environments, catering to organizational standards.

Configuring Backup for Storage Accounts

Once the policies are in place, actively configure backup plans for your storage accounts. Select the specific accounts you wish to protect, considering multiple accounts across regions if necessary. The selection can be narrowed down to precise containers. Before committing backups, Azure Backup scrutinizes certain prerequisites. Verifying permissions and container counts ensures these steps align with Azure’s compliance standards.

Retention Settings

Agreed-upon retention settings indicate how long backups linger within the vault, accommodating periods lasting up to a decade. This aligns with both organizational expectations and regulatory mandates, building a robust framework where data reliability is prioritized. The settings ensure critical business data remains accessible while adhering to legal demands surrounding data retention.

Immutable Vaults

Emphasizing security, Azure Backup incorporates immutable vaults, rendering recovery points immune to premature deletion. Immutable vaults are an added layer against risks like ransomware attacks or other malicious threats, enforcing data integrity until its predetermined expiration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, establishing backup policies and retention settings is central to utilizing Azure effectively for data protection. The comprehensive steps – from setting up a Backup Vault, crafting detailed backup policies, configuring storage account backups, and adhering to defined retention periods – guarantee a secure environment respecting both organizational needs and regulatory obligations. Through these endeavors, Azure users can confidently safeguard their cloud-stored data against unforeseen events.