# Data Archiving vs Backup
One-sentence definition: Archiving preserves data for long-term retention/records; backups enable operational recovery.
## Key Facts
- Archive: searchability, retention policy, legal/regulatory use.
- Backup: near-term recovery, optimized for restore time.
- Storage classes differ (cold vs hot); cost and access patterns vary.
- Indexing/metadata key for archive; immutability for records.
- Ensure both are covered in policy and tooling.
- **Verify:** check official (ISC)² CBK and current exam outline.
## Exam Relevance
- Choose archive vs backup solution for requirements.
**Mnemonic:** “Archive = Keep; Backup = Bounce back.”
## Mini Scenario
Q: Need to preserve emails for 7 years—what to use?
A: Archiving with retention/hold features.
## Revision Checklist
- Define purposes of each.
- Name one tech feature unique to archiving.
- Note immutability needs.
## Related
[[Record Management and Data Retention]] · [[Backups for Data Protection (Domain 2 view)]] · [[eDiscovery and Data Retention]] · [[Data Minimization and Purpose Limitation]] · [[Data Residency and Sovereignty]] · [[Domain 2 - Index]]