Definition
Failback is the process of returning system operations and information processing to their previous state after a failover. A failover event can happen if a system component, such as a data centre or server, malfunctions or experiences an outage.
Failback procedures help maintain business operations and process continuity, restoring secure system operations and efficiency after failures. The failback types the organisation employs depend on the specific priorities and requirements it has set up in its cybersecurity or disaster recovery measures.
Common Types of Failbacks in Cybersecurity
- Automatic Failback: This seamless failback type automatically reverts systems to their original state when the primary system or component stabilizes and becomes available again. It’s commonly used in high-availability setups.
- Manual Failback: This type requires manual intervention, usually by administrators, to initiate the return to the original system state. Administrators ensure the primary system is fully recovered and stable before switching back, but this method is slower due to human involvement.
- Partial Failback: This type is ideal for situations where failing back the entire service or system is unnecessary. It only returns specific components or servers to the primary state, while the rest can operate in a failover configuration or state.