Automate Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) Backup Using SFTP

In the new era of hybrid and remote work, Cisco Unified Computing System Manager (UCSM) and Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) have become even more critical administrative tools. The top two topics that the Cerberus support team receives regarding UCSM and CUCM are:  

• “how to update Cisco firmware over SCP” (Secure Copy Protocol), and 
• “how to transfer CUCM backups using SFTP.”  

To ensure that your Cisco configurations are routinely backed up in a secure manner, enabling recovery in case of need, this blog will cover “How to back up Cisco files to a server using Cerberus SFTP.”  

  

How to Create and Transfer a Cisco Unified Communications Manager Backup via Cerberus SFTP Server   

  

1) Select SFTP Account  

Select an existing or create a new account in the Cerberus SFTP server that you will use to receive the backup and create a folder within it.  

     

2) Create a User  

Create a user in Cerberus that has the privilege of connecting using just a password. Even though CUCM allows the use of SFTP, it does not permit connection using an SSH key. With Cerberus SFTP Server, you can automatically forward files to another location.  

   

3) Log In to CUCM Disaster Recovery  

Go to CUCM and log into the Disaster Recovery System. Select backup, then Backup Device. This section is where you provide the details of your Cerberus SFTP server.  

        

4) Enter SFTP Server Details  

Click on “Add New” in the Backup Device area and enter a name for your SFTP server. Beneath this field, there is a field labeled “Select Destination” – here, you can enter your Cerberus SFTP server details, path, and credentials. You can also select how many backups you want to keep in the SFTP server if you do not wish to set up automation.  

    

5) Schedule The Backup  

Once you have done this, you can schedule the backup. In CUCM, go to Backup, Scheduler and click “Add New” to create a new schedule. Now, you can add the frequency with which you want to send the backup to your SFTP server, including the day of the week and time of day. Finally, save the schedule and click on “Enable Schedule.”  

  

Did you know? 

Cerberus FTP Server also supports Cisco firmware updates and other file transfer activities through SCP.  

You can read more about it at the above link. 

We hope you have found this information helpful. If you have questions about this process, don’t hesitate to contact Cerberus FTP Server’s pre-sales support team.