Cloud Computing Patch Automation Checklist

Physical Hardware Checks

• Check hardware termination.
• Check cloud computing hardware interoperability.
• Identify any hardware faults on servers, printers, etc.
• Check functionality of other cloud computing peripherals.
• Investigate any disconnected cables.
• Check for incorrectly connected cabling.
• Check for error indicators.

Backup and Restore

• Check backup logs for errors.
• Verify backup job consistency.
• Perform test restore using recent backup media.
• Ensure backup is running on schedule.
• Run a cleaning tape when required.

Cloud Computing Software Updates and Licensing

• Check for operating system updates.
• Assess cloud computing components for application updates.
• Check any third-party applications for updates.
• Ensure antivirus definition update scheduling is operational.
• Check for updated printer drivers.
• Ensure product licensing is current and valid.

Event Logs and Services

• Check system, application, Domain Name System (DNS), Functional Requirement Specification (FRS) and security logs.
• Archive old events with appropriate dates.
• Troubleshoot error events and warnings that arise in your cloud computing environment.
• Check cloud computing services for failed startups.
• Check the correct services are starting up.
• Disable unnecessary services.

Disk Management

• Check disks for data integrity and consistency.
• Analyze disk performance and usage.
• Check status of Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) configuration if applicable.
• Perform and or schedule a chkdsk and defragment disks if required.
• Check disk capacity.
• Clear temp files.
• Check network shares and disable any unnecessary shares.

Antivirus

• Check event, history and virus logs in your cloud computing environment.
• Check scan schedule times.
• Clear quarantined items.
• Ensure antivirus definition updates are occurring in your cloud computing environment.

Cloud Computing Security

• Enable and check firewall and router logs. Troubleshoot findings. Perform penetration tests on network/servers.
• Perform security checks on other cloud computing applications and files.
• Check wireless authentication, encryption, access control and logs.
• Check for password strength policies.

Active Directory

• Check active directory replication.
• Check active directory using replmon, dcdiag, and/or netiq tools.
• Monitor active directory performance.
• Audit and remove unnecessary user accounts.

Microsoft Exchange Mail System

• Check Exchange event logs.
• Clear dead and/or bad mail.
• Check individual mailbox space usage and note any large mailboxes.
• Ensure replication and routing events are successful.
• Schedule a database compact using either isinteg or eseutil tools.

Cloud Computing Network Performance

• Check network utilization rates.
• Monitor any excessive broadcast traffic.
• Identify any network bottlenecks.

Miscellaneous Maintenance Tasks for Cloud Computing

• Check server performance using perfmon.
• Check (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), Domain Name System (DNS) and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) configurations.
• Check Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) synchronization logs.
• Approve any necessary updates to your cloud computing environment.
• Confirm group policies settings.
• Check the uptime of servers, switches, and routers.
• Test Universal Power Supply (UPS) battery performance.
• Make a hardware profile in case you need to roll back your cloud computing environment to the last known working config.
• Test your contingency remote access mechanism(s). Examples are PCAnywhere, Terminal Services, Virtual Network Computing (VNC), HP Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) management port.

Tags : Cloud Computing

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