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Security Operations · Foundational

Failover

Automatic or manual switching to a redundant or standby system when the primary fails.

Definition

Failover configurations include active-passive, where a standby takes over on failure, and active-active, where all nodes serve traffic. Failback returns operations to the primary once restored. Failover must be tested to ensure it works under real conditions.

Example

A database cluster promoting its standby node to primary when the primary server crashes.

Exam tip

Untested failover is a common failure point; failover tests validate DR plans.

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