---
type: entity
title: RESTIC
tags: [software, backup, open-source]
related: [zentrale-datensicherungsstrategie, zentraler-backup-und-archiv-speicher, tivilo-storage-manager, ums, windows-backup-installation]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_zentrale_datenspeicherung_backup.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_zentrale_datenspeicherung_backup_allgemei.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_zentrale_datenspeicherung_backup_installa.md"]
---

# RESTIC

**RESTIC** is an open-source backup software mandated by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] (URZ) for securing data on both central and decentralized server systems within the university's infrastructure. It is the current mandated software for server data backups, replacing the legacy [[tivilo-storage-manager]] (TSM).

## Role in URZ Infrastructure and Strategy
The URZ requires the use of RESTIC to ensure a standardized approach to data security and recovery. 
- **Strategic Implementation**: Restic is the primary tool used to execute the [[zentrale-datensicherungsstrategie]].
- **Storage Integration**: It is used in conjunction with the [[zentraler-backup-und-archiv-speicher]] to secure university data.
- **Service Access**: The URZ provides a "Restic Backup-Service" for server systems, which can be requested via the [[ums]].

## Technical Features
- **Client-Side Encryption**: Data is encrypted on the client before being transmitted over the network and is stored encrypted in the repository.
- **Data Efficiency**: Provides efficient data deduplication for university backups.
- **OS Compatibility**: Supports a wide range of operating systems, including:
    - **Linux**: Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSuse, RHEL, CentOS.
    - **Windows**: Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server.
    - **Other**: macOS, OpenBSD, FreeBSD.

## Implementation and Automation
The URZ provides a managed implementation of Restic to simplify deployment for university staff:
- **Configuration**: Restic is configured using specific files provided by the URZ, which are tailored to the approved backup resource.
- **Linux Deployment**: The URZ provides shell scripts for Linux to install the service and configure daily backups.
- **Windows Deployment**: 
    - The URZ provides a standalone `.exe` binary.
    - A PowerShell-based installation framework (`install_ugw.ps1`) is provided to automate setup and scheduling via the Windows Task Scheduler.

## Operational Constraints and Security
- **Password Dependency**: Because encryption is client-side, the user is responsible for managing the encryption password. The URZ emphasizes that the loss of this password results in permanent and irreversible data loss, as the URZ cannot recover the data without it.
- **Exclusions**: Users are encouraged to exclude temporary files, browser caches, and OS system files from the backup configuration to optimize storage.

## Comparison with TSM
Restic is the successor to [[tivilo-storage-manager]]. According to the newly generated version, the migration involves a parallel run to ensure no gap in data protection.