Backing Up the Imprivata Database

Imprivata database backup files contain the Imprivata database for the entire enterprise, not just one site. The enterprise, site, and appliance configuration data is not part of the backup file. It is important to have an efficient backup policy and to implement it effectively. Imprivata backup files should be stored in a secure location and off of the appliance. This can be automated if you have configured a default file server.

NOTE: Imprivata strongly recommends that you set up automated daily database backups, preferably scheduled to occur during off-peak hours.

Backing up can take ten minutes or longer depending on the size of the Imprivata database. Users experience no interruption in their service.

The backup process:

  • Saves the backup file locally. If you have not configured a default file server, then you must manually download the backup file and then upload it to a secure location.
  • The backup file must be uploaded to a secure location. This step is automatic if you have configured a default file server. For more information, see File Servers.
  • The backup file is a compressed file that can be encrypted for increased security. The file name includes a date-time stamp. For example, a file named 20120509_132506.IBU is a backup that was created in the year 2012, on May 9, at 1:25:06 pm.

NOTE: For a G3 (third generation) Imprivata enterprise, you can create backups only from an Imprivata audit appliance. For a G4 (fourth generation) Imprivata enterprise, you can create backups only from a database appliance. The backup can be performed by an Administrator or a Super Administrator and it can be automated.

  1. In the Imprivata Appliance Console, go to the System page > Operations tab.
  2. Click Start Backup.
  3. To encrypt the backup file, select Encryption enabled.
  4. If you have never created a password for encrypted backup files, create a new password now. The password you enter is used by all backup files until you change it. Passwords can be of any length and can use any characters.

  5. CAUTION: Be careful selecting a password for encryption. If you forget the password used to encrypt the backup file, you will be unable to restore the database.

  6. Click OK. It can take 10 minutes or longer to generate the file, depending on the size of the database.
  7. The file is generated when Last Backup displays SUCCESS, followed by the completion date and time. The progress indicator is based on the size of the most recent backup file, so if the current file is much larger the process might take longer. If you have configured a default file server, then the file is automatically saved to the default file server.
  1. In the Imprivata Appliance Console, go to the System page > Operations tab, and click Enable on the Daily Backup line.
  2. Select a time for the appliance to generate a database backup file daily, preferably during off-peak hours.
  3. To encrypt the backup file, select Encryption enabled.
  4. If you did not create a password for encrypted backup files, create a new password now. The password you enter is used by all database backup files until you change it. Passwords can be of any length and can use any characters.

  5. CAUTION: Be careful selecting a password for encryption. If you forget the password used to encrypt the backup file, you will be unable to restore the database.