> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsoar-6.12-hosted-service-guide/hosted-service/data-backup-and-retention.md).

# Data Backup and Retention

Palo Alto Networks maintains backups of hosted Cortex XSOAR workloads. Backups are taken for both the hosted production and development workloads. One week’s worth of backups is maintained. In case of a business emergency or data loss, customers can request via support ticket to restore their instance from a backup. Data written after the restore point will not be available. The Cortex XSOAR hosted service operates under the [Palo Alto Networks business continuity policy (BCP) (PDF)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/assets/pdf/datasheets/support/cortex-service-level-agreement.pdf), defined as 4HR/4HR RPO/RTO.

Backups are taken as system snapshots. To restore an individual file, the entire system must be restored. If you create custom content such as playbooks, automations, etc., we recommend regularly downloading and storing a copy of your custom content. This can be done manually or with a playbook such as [JOB - XSOAR - Export Selected Custom Content](https://xsoar.pan.dev/docs/reference/playbooks/job---xsoar---export-selected-custom-content).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsoar-6.12-hosted-service-guide/hosted-service/data-backup-and-retention.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.