How do you handle firewall and router backups and disaster recovery?

1 Backup methods

There are various ways to backup your firewall and router configurations, depending on the type and model of your devices. For instance, you can use the built-in backup and restore features of your firewall or router software, such as the Cisco IOS archive command to save and load configuration files to or from a local or remote storage device. Additionally, third-party backup and restore tools can automate the process for multiple firewalls and routers, using different protocols and formats. An example of this is the SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager which can be used to backup and restore configurations using SNMP, SSH, or Telnet. Lastly, a manual backup and restore method involves copying and pasting configuration commands to and from a text file, using a terminal emulator or web browser. Although this method is simple and flexible, it is also more susceptible to human errors and inconsistencies.

2 Backup frequency

The frequency of your firewall and router backups depends on how often you make changes to your configuration, and how critical your network security is. You should backup your configuration every time you make a significant change, such as adding or removing rules, interfaces, or policies. You should also backup your configuration regularly, such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your network activity and risk level. You should also test your backups periodically, to ensure that they are valid and up-to-date.

3 Backup location

The location of your firewall and router backups should be secure, accessible, and reliable. You should store your backups in a separate device or network from your original configuration, to avoid losing both in case of a disaster. You should also encrypt and password-protect your backups, to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. You should also keep multiple copies of your backups, in different locations and formats, to increase your chances of recovery.

4 Disaster recovery plan

A disaster recovery plan is an essential document that outlines the steps and procedures to restore your firewall and router configurations in case of a disaster. This plan should include a list of your firewalls and routers, their models, serial numbers, IP addresses, and configuration files. Additionally, it should include the tools and resources needed to restore your configuration, such as cables, adapters, software, and licenses. Moreover, it should include a list of contacts and roles responsible for the recovery process, along with the steps and commands to restore your configuration in order of priority and dependency. Finally, it should include tests and checks to verify the functionality and security of your restored configuration.

5 Disaster recovery scenarios

Disasters for your firewall and router configurations can come in many forms, such as hardware failure, software error, or cyberattack. If a hardware failure occurs, you'll need to replace the device and restore the configuration from a backup. You may also need to update the firmware, software, or licenses to match the original device. If a software error happens, you must reboot or reset the device and restore the configuration from a backup. You may also need to update or reinstall the software or apply patches or fixes. For a cyberattack, you should disconnect the device from the network and restore the configuration from your backup. Additionally, you should scan the device for viruses or malware, change passwords or keys, and report the incident to authorities.

6 Disaster recovery tips

For effective handling of firewall and router backups and disaster recovery, it is important to document your configuration settings, commands, and changes in a clear and consistent format. Automation of backups with tools or scripts can save time and effort as well as reduce human errors. Monitor your devices with tools or alerts to identify any issues or anomalies such as performance degradation, configuration changes, or security breaches. Finally, review and update your disaster recovery plan periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?