pfSense
The pfSense project is a free open source customized distribution of FreeBSD tailored for use as a firewall and router entirely managed by an easy-to-use web interface. No FreeBSD knowledge is required to deploy and use pfSense software.
In this article, we'll be configuring Manual and Automated Backup and Restore pfSense for pfSense files under its Services configuration.
1. Backup
Backup refers to the copying of physical or virtual files or databases to a secondary location for preservation in case of equipment failure or catastrophe, such as a power cut or water leak.
Manual Backup
Navigate to Diagnostics> Backup Files and Directories> Add
Complete Backup Settings
Backup Name
Path
Enabled: Enabled
Description
Save
Navigate to Diagnostics> Backup Files and Directories> Settings
Backup
Manual Backup for a specific area (eg: Backup Aliases )
Navigate to Diagnostics > Backup & Restore > Backup & Restore
Complete Backup Configuration
Backup area: Aliases
Download configuration as XML
Automated Backup
Navigate to Services > Auto Configuration > Backup Settings
Complete Config Backup
Enable ACB: Enable automatic configuration backups
Backup Frequency: Automatically backup on every configuration change
Encryption Password
Manual backups to keep: (eg: 10 ) > Save
Navigate to Services > Auto Configuration > Backup now
Revision Reason
Backup
To see your backup files and configuration XML files by using CMD with ssh run these commands
$ cd /cf/conf/ $ ls
2. Restore
Restore means to return something to its former condition. When you restore a computer or other electronic device, you return it to a previous state. This may be a previous system backup or the original factory settings.
Restore a specific area (eg: Restore Aliases )
Navigate to Diagnostics > Backup & Restore > Backup & Restore
Restore Backup
Restore area: Aliases
Configuration file: Choose File
Restore Configuration
Restore all configuration
Navigate to Services > Auto Configuration > Restore