Backup and emergency restoration
E-LEARNING PLATFORM – BACKUP AND EMERGENCY RESTORATION – ELE-PRO-011-A
Version: 1.0 | Last update: 03/11/2025 | Department: IT & E-learning
🎯 Objective
Define the procedure to follow in case of a technical failure, hacking attempt, or data corruption on the
Dubai Precious Metals University e-learning platform
(dubai-precious-metals-university.com),
built with the MasterStudy LMS theme.
The objective is to restore the system rapidly and securely using verified backups, ensuring data integrity and minimal downtime.
👤 Who
- IT & E-learning Administrator
- Hosting Provider (OVH / technical partner)
- Academic Coordinator (for functional validation after restoration)
🧩 Inputs / Outputs
Inputs:
- Latest complete backup (database + files)
- Incident report or error logs
- Server access credentials (FTP / cPanel)
Outputs:
- Platform restored and functional
- Incident logged and closed
- Backup rotation and future prevention measures updated
⚙️ Process Steps
- Incident Detection and Classification
Upon notification of a malfunction or inaccessibility:- Attempt to access the platform (DPMU)
- Identify the nature of the problem:
- 🔹 Level 1: minor issue (display, plugin conflict)
- 🔹 Level 2: site inaccessible or database error
- 🔹 Level 3: suspected hack, ransomware, or data loss
- Log incident details in ELE-LOG-005 (Incident Register)
- Immediate Security Measures
- Change FTP and WordPress admin passwords immediately
- Deactivate access for all users except IT staff
- Notify the Academic Coordinator and Hosting Provider
- If security breach is confirmed, isolate the compromised site (OVH → Snapshot)
- Locate the Most Recent Backup
Access WorkDrive › IT › Backups › ELE-PRO-010-A.
Select the latest available full backup (DPMU_Backup_[YYYYMMDD].zip).
Ensure it includes both:- Website files (wp-content, plugins, uploads, etc.)
- Database export (.sql file)
Validate backup integrity by checking file size and date consistency.
- Restore the Database
Log in to the hosting control panel (OVH / cPanel).- Open phpMyAdmin → select the existing database
- Click Import → upload the .sql file from backup
- Wait until confirmation of successful import
If database corruption persists, rename the old database and create a new one before reimport.
- Restore Website Files
Using FTP or File Manager:- Delete corrupted files in the /public_html/ or /www/ directory
- Upload files from the ZIP backup
- Ensure correct permissions (755 for folders / 644 for files)
Once upload is complete, reload the website to confirm front-end recovery.
- Functional Verification
After restoration:- Verify access to home page and login page
- Check that courses, lessons, and quizzes load normally
- Log in as instructor and student to validate dashboard functionality
The Academic Coordinator confirms pedagogical functionality (access, certificates, progress tracking).
- Post-Restoration Security
- Update WordPress, MasterStudy LMS, and all plugins to latest versions
- Reinstall or reactivate security plugin (Wordfence)
- Scan for malware or suspicious files
- Force password reset for all users
If necessary, request a full server scan from OVH support.
- Reporting and Archiving
- Complete the incident report in ELE-LOG-005 (cause, impact, corrective action)
- Archive the backup used and create a new one post-restoration
- Store report and related files in WorkDrive › IT › Incidents › ELE-PRO-011-A
- Send summary report to the Academic Coordinator and Director of IT
✅ Controls
- Verification of restoration integrity by IT & Academic teams
- Backup validity check after each incident
- Quarterly restoration test using the latest backup
📁 Records
- Backup files used (.zip + .sql)
- Incident report (ELE-LOG-005)
- Restoration confirmation email
- Stored in WorkDrive › IT › Incidents › ELE-PRO-011-A