Backup and Restore in cyberark

Backup and Restore in CyberArk is crucial for ensuring the safety and availability of your privileged access data, including sensitive information stored in the Vault. The process involves creating backups of the Vault and the components and restoring them when needed. Below is a detailed guide for performing both backup and restore in CyberArk:

Backup in CyberArk

1. Backup the Vault Data

• Vault Backup Utility: CyberArk provides a Vault Backup Utility that should be used to back up the Vault’s database and configuration.

• Automated Backups: Set up automated backups using the built-in scheduling system. Typically, backups are done daily or weekly, depending on your organization’s needs.

Steps:

• Log into the Vault Server.

• Run the Vault Backup Utility (backup.exe) found in the Vault’s installation directory.

• The utility will back up the Vault data and store it in a predefined location.

• The backup includes:

• Vault Database (Password, User info, Policies).

• Vault Configuration files.

• Encryption keys used for securing the Vault.

You should configure the backup utility to store these backups in a secure, offsite location.

2. Backup the Components

CyberArk consists of various components (PVWA, CPM, PSM, etc.). For a comprehensive backup, the configuration and relevant files for each component must be backed up.

Steps:

• PVWA (Password Vault Web Access):

• Backup the PVWA installation folder and configuration files.

• CPM (Central Policy Manager):

• Backup the CPM folder, including the configuration files and credential files.

• PSM (Privileged Session Manager):

• Backup PSM session logs and configuration files.

• Conjur (optional): For Conjur integrations, back up the policy files and secrets.

3. Encryption Keys Backup

Ensure you back up the Vault’s encryption keys. These are crucial for restoring data, as they are used to decrypt the Vault database.

4. Test the Backup

It’s important to test the backup process periodically to ensure that the data can be restored in case of a failure.

Restore in CyberArk

1. Restore the Vault

If a Vault failure occurs or the system needs to be migrated, follow these steps to restore the Vault:

Steps:

• Install the Vault on the target system if needed (reinstall the CyberArk Vault).

• Use the Vault Restore Utility (restore.exe).

• Run the utility to restore the backup data files from the location where the backups are stored.

• After the restoration, verify the integrity of the data, ensuring that all users, credentials, and policies are restored correctly.

2. Restore the Components

Each CyberArk component needs to be restored individually to ensure full system recovery:

Steps:

• PVWA:

• Restore the PVWA files and configurations from your backup.

• CPM:

• Restore the CPM settings and credential files.

• PSM:

• Restore the PSM’s session recordings and configuration.

After restoring, verify that each component connects correctly with the Vault and that functionality is restored.

3. Encryption Keys Restoration

If encryption keys were backed up, ensure they are restored properly as they are critical for accessing the Vault.

4. Testing the Restoration

• After completing the restoration process, it is essential to test and verify that the Vault and components are functioning correctly.

• Verify user access, session recording, and credential retrieval to ensure full recovery.

Best Practices for Backup and Restore

• Automate Backups: Automate the backup process to ensure that backups are made consistently and on schedule.

• Offsite Backups: Store backups in a secure, offsite location to protect against data loss in case of physical disasters.

• Encryption: Ensure backups are encrypted for security, especially when storing them offsite.

• Test Restorations Regularly: Perform regular test restorations to ensure that backup files are usable and can restore the system to a functional state.

• Document the Process: Maintain detailed documentation of the backup and restore process, including where backup files are stored and who is responsible for performing the procedures.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure data safety and quick recovery in case of any issues with your CyberArk environment.