> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.claruswms.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Database Backup and Retention

> How Clarus manages database backups, retention periods, recovery testing, and customer data retention policies.

## Data retention and security

Clarus securely stores your data using automated backups, daily snapshots, and regular recovery testing. This page explains how each layer of protection works.

## Automated backups

The master database uses automated backups that allow recovery to within **5 minutes**. These backups are retained for **14 days**.

## Full snapshots

Full copies of the database are created every **24 hours** and saved in **two separate locations**. These snapshots are also retained for **14 days**.

## Quarterly recovery checks

As part of ISO 27001 certification, database backups are tested every three months. This ensures backups are always valid and can be used for recovery.

## Alert system for backup failures

Immediate alerts are triggered if the database backup process encounters any issues, allowing the team to quickly address and resolve problems.

## Customer data retention

Customer data is retained for **6 years** after the customer relationship ends. After this period, all data is anonymised.

<Info>Clarus holds information in accordance with ISO 27001 information security standard practices.</Info>

<Warning>All customer data is anonymised after the 6-year retention period following termination of the customer relationship.</Warning>

<Accordion title="FAQ">
  **How long are automated backups kept?**

  Automated backups are retained for 14 days, providing point-in-time recovery within 5 minutes.

  **Are full snapshots different from automated backups?**

  Yes. Full snapshots are generated daily and uploaded to two separate storage locations, also retained for 14 days.

  **What is ISO 27001 and how does it relate to data recovery?**

  ISO 27001 is an information security standard. As part of this certification, Clarus performs quarterly full recoveries of database snapshots to ensure backup validity.

  **What happens if a database backup fails?**

  An alert system notifies the team immediately, allowing for prompt resolution.
</Accordion>