How to Backup Checkpoint R80.20 management server

[dnpl]

Hi

I wanted to know what options I have to backup Checkpoint mangement server. Specifically want to know how to backup the smart console database. I don't backup of the gateway applicances.

I need to be able to backup the NAT rules, VPN's etc in Smart console and potentially restore them.

Currently I do take a Azure VM backup and want a second backup of the mangement server. 

Currently I'm using Checkpoint R80.20

Is there any way to backup Smart Console via the software?

[PhoneBoy]

It depends entirely on what you're going to do with the backup.
The various options are explained here:
https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solut...

If you want to potentially use the backup to create a new management server or upgrade to a new version on new hardware, you should use the migration tools.

[dnpl]

Thanks for the reply @PhoneBoy.

Sorry I'm a bit new to all this and I just wanted to know the best way to backup the rule base in smart console.

What's the best recommended method for that?

[Hasse_Haglund]

@dnpl personally I would use the backup scheduler and send the backups to a dedicated SFTP server. 

[dnpl]

@Hasse_Haglund Is there any documentation or link on how to do this in Checkpoint R80.20 please?

[Jeroen_Demets · Accepted solution]

Browse to your management server using https, login and go to Maintenance, System Backup

There you can create a backup and even schedule it. Unfortunately sftp is not in the gui but ftp and scp are.

[dnpl]

Thanks @Jeroen_Demets that's exactly what I wanted.

[PhoneBoy]

Like I said, it entirely depends what the purpose of the backup is.
The backup options in Gaia OS are good if you want to restore to the same hardware type.
If you want to restore to a different hardware type and/or do an upgrade the migration tools are a better bet.