Backup is the process of restoring a single file or an entire system by making copies of the data in compressed files. These files are either stored on a remote server or in the cloud.

There are two methods that backup software creates copies: full and incremental.

• Full backups are exact copies of the original data set.
• Incremental backups are copies of data changes since the last backup.

Rollback is the process of returning a hardware or software program back to a consistent state prior to a disaster. Rollbacks are crucial for keeping vessels operational as data and systems can recover by installing a clean copy. Unexpected incidents such as hardware crashes and cyber attacks can corrupt or infect data disrupting the flawless control and monitoring of the vessel.

Rollback software monitors and records file changes and creates point-in-time copies or snapshots in real time. Snapshot copies are usually stored on the same system for instant access and restoration.

An effective approach to recovering from an unexpected incident is to restart the system and roll back to the best point-in-time copy. Restart and rollback are sometimes necessary to resolve operational errors. However, specifically for integrated systems such as a vessel’s infrastructure, restart operations should be controlled. Unexpected restarts can cause hardware or software malfunctions resulting in an unstable and inconsistent system state with unpredictable effects.