Prove that recovery works
Restore a harmless representative copy to an isolated folder and confirm it opens before relying on the backup.
Use separately stored backups; test a recovery copy without assuming password reset decrypts old files
Keep recovery independent
Store a backup separately from the working device. A password reset may not decrypt material protected by an earlier password.
Test the process with redacted sample material, record the operator and date, and confirm the expected person can recover the correct version.
Respect the control boundary
Does not replace provider permissions, guaranteed backup, password recovery or enterprise identity management. Encryption reduces exposure when configured and used correctly; it does not establish retention law, recipient authority or guaranteed recovery.
Verify the rule and the control
Tax and contractual retention decisions may require qualified professional advice for the reader's jurisdiction and facts.