Run CHECKDB on a restored copy to validate a recoverable backup, retain the full check output, and understand what remains untested.
Immutable Backups: Keeping a Copy Ransomware Cannot Delete
Design immutable backups with enforced retention, separate storage access, offline recovery material, checksum checks, and restore tests.
Profiling a Table’s Data: Nulls, Distinct Values and Lengths
Start profiling a table’s data with null counts, distinct values, lengths, and generated checks that expose misleading column definitions.
Performance Condition Alerts: Warnings Before a Log File Fills
Build performance condition alerts for log usage, tempdb free space, and blocking, with sensible delays and an operator response.
Listing Non-Default Server Settings From sys.configurations
Inventory non-default server settings with a versioned baseline, compare configured and active values, and keep the review read-only.
Spotting Unusually Small Backups Against Each Database’s Average
Flag unusually small backups against database-specific history, use aggregate filtering, and investigate alerts without assuming data loss.
Consulting Wrap Up – What Next and How to Get Started
Use this consulting wrap up to keep a practical engagement checklist, choose the right service, and prepare the first email to get started.