Clean Restore

Clean Restore is a recovery in which data and systems are checked for integrity and possible compromise before returning to production operation. The approach is relevant above all after ransomware or other cyber incidents, when it cannot be ruled out that the available backups contain malware, manipulated files or unwanted configuration changes.

A clean restore is frequently carried out in an isolated recovery environment that is separated from production. There, recovery points can be scanned for malware, configurations checked and applications functionally tested. Only when all defined checks have been passed are data or systems transferred to the productive target environment. This distinguishes the approach from a purely technical restore without security validation.

Clean restore is closely linked to IT Security, Automated Security Validation and Business Continuity Management. The aim is not only a fast restart, but a controlled and trustworthy return to normal operations.