CCA Backup and Recovery — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What data should be included in a Casper Suite backup strategy?
- Only software packages
- JSS database, configuration files, distribution point content, and certificates (Correct answer)
- User passwords only
- Network switch configurations
Correct answer: JSS database, configuration files, distribution point content, and certificates
A comprehensive backup strategy must include the JSS database (containing all device and policy data), configuration files, distribution point content, and SSL certificates.
Question 2: How should the JSS database be backed up?
- Manual file copy during business hours
- Automated database dumps scheduled during low-usage periods with offsite replication (Correct answer)
- Screen captures of database tables
- Printed reports only
Correct answer: Automated database dumps scheduled during low-usage periods with offsite replication
Automated database backups during low-usage periods, with copies replicated offsite, ensure data protection with minimal impact on operations.
Question 3: What is the recovery procedure if the JSS database becomes corrupted?
- Rebuild the entire environment from scratch
- Restore the database from the most recent verified backup and re-enroll devices if needed (Correct answer)
- Wait for the database to self-repair
- Contact Apple for replacement
Correct answer: Restore the database from the most recent verified backup and re-enroll devices if needed
Database corruption recovery involves restoring from a verified backup, which is why regular, tested backups are essential to the management infrastructure.
Question 4: How often should Casper Suite backups be tested?
- Testing is unnecessary if backups complete without errors
- Regular test restores should be performed to verify backup integrity and recovery procedures (Correct answer)
- Only when audit requires it
- Once at initial setup
Correct answer: Regular test restores should be performed to verify backup integrity and recovery procedures
Regular test restores verify that backups are actually recoverable and that the recovery process is documented and functional.
Question 5: What is the impact of JSS downtime on managed devices?
- Devices immediately stop functioning
- Devices continue operating with cached policies but cannot receive new commands or check in until JSS is restored (Correct answer)
- No impact whatsoever
- All device data is lost
Correct answer: Devices continue operating with cached policies but cannot receive new commands or check in until JSS is restored
During JSS downtime, devices continue functioning with their existing configurations and cached policies, but cannot receive new commands, policies, or check in.
Question 6: How should SSL certificates be managed in the Casper backup and recovery plan?
- Certificates do not need backup
- Certificates and private keys must be securely backed up and included in disaster recovery documentation (Correct answer)
- Certificates regenerate automatically
- Only public certificates need backup
Correct answer: Certificates and private keys must be securely backed up and included in disaster recovery documentation
SSL certificates and their private keys must be securely backed up because losing them would break trust relationships between the JSS and enrolled devices.
CCA Backup and Recovery
What data should be included in a Casper Suite backup strategy?